Steering box adjustment

[.pete.]

Can anyone shed any light on how to tighten the steering on the steering box on the Cortina. I've got a fair bit of play before the wheels start to turn. I was told a while ago what to do but have forgotten the details. I remember it had something to do with undoing a nut, doing something else, then tightening the nut again.

[w p e]

undo the nut on the steering box cover turn the center screw in 1/4 turn then try it and carry on till the plays gone but be carefull not to over do it as the steering won't return if you over adjust it

[.pete.]

thanks for the help. I'll have a go at that at the weekend.

[.pete.]

well i've now tried this and made the car undrivable. It's now got about 30 degrees of play before the wheels start to turn. It now makes no difference how in or out I have the screw. I have even taken the screw right out and it makes no difference. Is there anything I can do to rescue it now as the MOT is booked for next Friday.

[w p e]

just take the lid of and pull the spring up its probley jammed due to age. you only need to turn the adjuster a bit at a time

[.pete.]

i've had another go now and seemed to have made it better again. I took the lid off and had a poke around. It might need adjusting again as I don't know if i've now overdone it, but at least I can now see how it works so can adjust when I can drive it on the road.

[V8ian]

Not only the steering box wears, but, because of the multitude of joints in a typical steering system it all have a small amount of play, it can add up to quite a lot by the time all the slack is taken up,

Get somebody to gently wiggle the steering wheel while you grab each steering joint as its wiggled. you will soon find if there is any play in the system.