How do I adjust the play out of a power steering box?

[Barn Owl]

I was told that this is a Sheppard's power steering box. I have several inches of play at the steering wheel. After all of the joints checked out OK the only place there is any play is in the box. How do you adjust the play out of it?

[TomC]

Many times you can adjust some of the play out of the box, but beware with older boxes, since the steering gear maybe worn, which would cause the gears to bind when turning the wheel since the outer section of the steering gear is generally not as worn as the middle of the gear.  Good Luck, TomC

[NJT 5573]

DOT allows about 3 inches on those boxes, alot more than with a manual box.

[Barn Owl]

More questions:

1. How do I adjust this one?
2. 3" measured from where? The steering wheel edge? Because of the large diameter of the  steering wheel it doesn't take much play to get 3". I think I have closer to 5" or 6". It's drivable but I would like tighter.
3. What about the oil? How do I check it and what weight?

Thanks in advance.

[4104bigred]

barnowl, I have a 04 also and mine has assist steering. do you have a repair manual?

if not get one asap makes life much easier

I would call luke monday and ask him about the proper way to adjust the steering box

and any heavy truck parts place will have the synthetic wheel bearing grease
which I would use instead of oil

chris

[Barn Owl]

This is a retrofit power steering box, so my bus repair manual does not cover it, does anyone have a clue on how to adjust it? I now figure that the only oil it needs internally would be the 30wt oil used for the steering fluid.

[NJT 5573]

Ref, World Wide Equiptment, Abingdon VA, Shephard P/S Master Dealer, Chester Grey, Service Mgr, 800-666-4833