QuestionI have extreme play in the steering wheel of our sedan. The actual steering box was lose so I tightened the 2 bolts to the frame. It did not improve my steering, what should I try now?
AnswerYou don't say whether or not your car has power steering, and that affects the answer.
If it does not have power steering, you can adjust the steering box, but before you jump to that step, with the wheels on the ground, have a helper move the steering wheel back and forth through the place where the wheels don't move (the dead zone), and while the helper is doing this, look under the car to see what is moving and what isn't. If the Pittman arm is moving, you have slop in the steering linkage; investigate where the looseness is and repair that before adjusting the steering box. You may have to replace some tie-rod ends, or you may have other worn parts in the suspension - probably an experienced alignment shop will be needed to find out exactly what has to be replaced.
If you don't find any "lost motion" in the linkage, adjust the steering box by removing the lock nut and keyed washer on the screw that sticks out of the box at the top, and then tighten the adjuster screw clockwise, 1/6 of a turn at a time, checking after each adjustment at the steering wheel until you can just feel an increase in friction as you move the steering wheel through the dead straight ahead position. If you are not sure which way the steering wheel points for straight ahead, you'll have to disconnect the Pittman arm, and then turn the steering wheel all the way to one stop, then back to the other stop while you count the turns, then move it back exactly 1/2 the number of turns your counted for lock to lock, - this is your dead ahead position. If you don't have a Pittman arm puller, you can borrow one from your local Auto-Zone store - free.
You first have to jack up the car so the wheels can turn easily, or else disconnect the Pittman arm to do this adjustment.
When you can just barely feel a little increase in friction as you pass the center position of the steering wheel, reinstall the lock washer and nut, and see if your play is any better. If not, your steering box probably needs to be rebuilt.
If your car has Power Steering (yes, it was available on your model in 1951 - the first year for Chrysler), you need to take the car to a specialist - these are very tricky to work on, and I won't try to coach you through that - for safety reasons.
Dick
