Steering Box Adjustment: How to Take Up Free Play

A recirculating-ball steering box has an adjustment screw, usually on top of the box with a lock nut, that sets how tightly the sector gear meshes with the ball nut. Turning it in a small amount can take up some free play in a worn box. It only helps if the play is actually in the box, it must be done in very small steps, and too much adjustment makes the steering bind, return poorly to center and wear faster. On many trucks the better fix for a worn box is replacement.

Before you adjust anything

1. Confirm the play is in the box: with the engine running and the wheels on the ground, have someone rock the steering wheel while you watch the input shaft and pitman arm. If the input turns but the pitman arm does not, the slack is in the box.
2. Check the rest of the steering first: tie rod ends, drag link, ball joints and the track bar; see loose steering and death wobble.
3. Look for leaks at the box seals; see bad steering box symptoms.

How to adjust a steering box

1. Center the steering, since the box is tightest at center by design.
2. Hold the adjustment screw with a hex key or screwdriver and loosen the lock nut.
3. Turn the screw in a very small amount, often a fraction of a turn, following your service information for direction.
4. Hold the screw and tighten the lock nut.
5. Turn the steering lock to lock and check for binding, then road test for return to center.

Signs you went too far

• Steering feels heavy or notchy near center
• The wheel does not return to center after a turn
• The truck darts or feels twitchy

Back the screw out slightly if any of these appear. Overtightening damages the gear teeth.

Adjustment screw stuck or no improvement

A seized screw or lock nut is common on older trucks; penetrating oil and patience help, but forcing it can damage the housing. If careful adjustment does not remove the play, the internal parts are worn and the box should be replaced.

When to replace instead

Leaks, notchiness, play that returns soon after adjustment, or a box on a lifted truck with large tires are signs replacement is the better route. For Ram heavy-duty trucks, see Ram 2500 steering box replacement and the Red-Head steering gear box RH2881 for 2009 to 2020 Ram 2500 and 3500 at $866.00.

Related

See power steering pump noise and clunking noise over bumps.

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