Expert: Robert Summers - 11/18/2008

Question
I have a 1994 30' motorhome on a chevy p30 chassis with a 454.The power steering seems to have a little bit of play in it.All the front parts seem to be tight.How can I tell if its too much play,and is there any adjustments on this steering box to take up play.If not is it a lot of work to change power steering box.Thanks a lot

Answer
Hi Jeff.... to check steering lash secure the front wheels and see how far you can turn the steering wheel till it stops both ways...the play should not exceed 10% of the steering wheel diameter...IE; 20 inch steering wheel should not exceed 2 inches in play back and forth... if you have too much play you can adjust...there is a nut on the top of the steering box with a slotted screw in it...loosen the nut and holding the nut turn in the screw a little at a time till play is with in spec...do not get too tight as steering gear will bind...when you get it within spec tighten nut while holding screw...that should take up play...if not gear is too worn and you will need to replace box....make sure before you do this that your play is not in the front end parts....check the idler arm for up and down play....assuming it has independent front end....if straight axel check the drag link and pitman arm...it is not often that the steering box is the problem....also on some motorhomes they have a steering dampner...check it as well if it is bad... it can cause oversteer as well feeling like you have a loose front end....hope this helps