alignment issue

[81sunnyson]

i ordered a moog tierod assembly and centerlink from rock auto in attempts to get an alignment. the car steers ok and stays straight when i break but there is alot of play (almost half turn) in the steering wheel and the alignment shop guy says i need a new gear box. it will make a loud click when i make a uturn or full lock left turn. the play is clockwise to the right and almost a full turn with the horn section of the steering wheel almost straight up and down. i had similar issues in my chrysler with a bad rag joint

 

 

if anybody has a gear box or can tell me what i can swap in that would be appreciated

[Eagle_Adam]

have you adjusted your gear box yet?

[81sunnyson]

ps i did not replace the idler arm, appears to still be ok with a good bushing

[81sunnyson]

i read on the 1200 forum not to mess with the screw on the box. i figured i could use my puller and take the centerlink off and turn it slightly to compensate for the play. the wheel is tight towards the left or 10 to 2 position but has lots of play the right

[Eagle_Adam]

ive fixed many a steering issue by adjusting the screw on the steering box, done in on 710's, 210's, and 620's.

[datzenmike]

Play could be an accumulation of all wear in the ball joints in the steering, idler arm, wheel bearings and the steering box itself.

 

The steering box does have an adjustment on it. Raise the wheels off the ground. Loosen the holding nut and turn the adjusting screw to remove excess play. Have a care as all wear is in the middle (ahead) position so if you remove too much play it will be excessively tight as you turn away from center. This is why the wheels are off the ground, so you can easily spin the wheel lock to lock looking for any binding or tightness. Adjust until it's play is reduced but there are no tight spots.

 

Wheel bearing pre load is in the manual but usually you tighten the wheel nut to a specified torque then back off to the last position on the castellated nut and insert the cotter pin.

 

Worn ball joints and idler arm have to be replaced.

[81sunnyson]

do you have a picture of the screw im to adjust

 

the 1200 site is of a 70's model

 

i have an 81 model

[Eagle_Adam]

post a pic of the top of yours and ill point it out, you cant hurt much if your already thinking about replacing it ;)

[datzenmike]

There will be 4 bolts around the top edge for holding the cover on the box. There will be a soft rubber or plastic 'bolt' for the fill hole. The adjuster looks like a screw with a nut below it to lock it in position.

[ggzilla]

You will also read on the 1200 site that you should adjust the box. It has photos and detailed steps under Steering Gearbox Adjustment. B210 and B110 (1200) and B310 (210) is adjusted the same way.

 

Dont believe everything you read in the internet

 

http://datsun1200.com/modules/mediawiki/index.php?title=Steering_Gearbox_Adjustment

[ggzilla]

I had that same click this summer. Turned out the steering wheel nut was loose.