How can you take the play out of the steering gear box of a 1993 Chevy Silverado?

Answer 1

DO NOT Use the adjusting bolt w/ the lock nut on top of the gear box. This adjustment is meant for setting the lash on the worm and sector gears only. These gears are hardened steel, running in oil and almost never wear. Instead, slack in the box is normally caused by movement in the bearings. Tightening the lash adjustment normally results in binding of the gear. This causes the steering wheel to bind in the last position, requiring constant adjustment and is very annoying.

It is also wise to be certain slack is in the box before beginning. As suggested below, tie rods, the pitman arm. steering couplers, mis-alignment and even loose gear bolts all cause a feeling like slack in the steering wheel.

Check for slop in your tie rods before you mess with the gear box adjustment.

check the pitman and idler arms as well.