Maverick steering feels loose..steering box?

I have a maverick that runs and drives good but the steering at highway speeds feels very loose from a right to left type of play, does the steering box have a adjustment? (ps I own old 65/66 mustangs and am not comparing late model cars steering to cars of this era)

Thanks for any help... Bob McCabe Vestal New York

 

There is an adjustment on the steering box. Looking for a screw with a not on it. Its on top of the box. Lossen the nut and turn the screw down until you fill some stoppage, but not much or you will wear out the gears. Tighten the nut back down and test drive the car and see if that helps.

 

Replaceing the Tie Rod ends and Idler Arm worked wonders for my '74 a while back.

 

I'd find out where the play is before making any adjustments.

 

The Maverick steering is almost the same as the 65-66. A complete rebuild will work Wonders. P.S.T. Has a good rebuild kit that is reasonable priced.

 

Check the bolts thru the frame rail.
Have someone turn the wheel side to side over about 45* and take a look at what the box does and the rest of the joints as well as the idler arm.

 

Replace your sway bar bushings.......BEFORE you start messin with the steering box!

D

 

im with GT here. check and replace any worn bushings or ball joints first or tie rod ends, second make sure your A arm bushings arent so worn they move side to side, third make sure the bolts are all tight and good. last you start messing with that gear box. it is easy to adjust a little play out of it, but if it isnt the problem your just adding to your eventual cost and possibly ignoring something that could be dangerous to keep driving.

 

I have replaced most of the balls and stuff, and found that my steering is TIGHT, except for a good bit of play in the power steering control valve. Keep hearing that the power-to-manual replacement solves all that play, and one day, I may make/buy one. Anyone have one for sale?

 

With the power steering cylinder there will always be some play at the point the arm ball enters because that is the way the cylinder senses the direction the fluid has to travel for the power assist to be given.
It is a spring loaded valve assembly and has to have some movement to work the valve direction changes.
There is a setup procedure specified for these systems but the wear has to be kept at a min at the ball and other parts.

 

That "play" between the area where the left valve opens and the right valve opens is where I get all the play in my steering system. When I first got this car, I found this play, and replaced the valve and cylinder. Found exactly the same play afterwards, and was quite frustrated. Then I found this website and found that it is "normal" play.

Still don't like it, though. I will probably go to manual when I get a chance. Put a blower where the powersteering pump is, just to fill in that space... :evilsmile

or maybe put the AC back in. Or both...

 

How do I take off the power steering control valve?

 

Might try to adjust the tension on the ballstud in the control valve. Made the world of diff in my car.