| Moderated by: Greg Fletcher | ||
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jomac Member
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Has anyone adjusted the pinion gear preload. my steering has a slight play while driving. I checked out the steering shaft u joints they are ok. my play is at the rack and pinion gears. some Rack and pinion steering have an adjustment nut to change the preload between the 2 gears. Looking for how to adjust the Jensen Healey mark 1 or 2 RP steering? |
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redracer Member
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Shims were used for the adjustment. If you pull off the top cover, you will probably have one or two shims under it. Suggest adding Dow Corning's M Gear Guard for added wear protection. |
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jomac Member
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Redracer, I have not done this before can you explain more. Do I add more shims or place them elsewhere? What is the lower plate for? What adjustments are provided there? Ps. You rebuilt my water pump several years ago. Still working well. Thanks |
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redracer Member
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The top cover(2 1/4" bolts) has shim(s) under it to force/push the pinion gear down onto the rack. This is also where you would add fluid after changing broken rubber boots. I do not know where shims are available, but maybe a machine shop can help if you need any. |
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jomac Member
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Redracer Thanks for the info, I'll make a shim if necessary. But one question , when I lift off the top plate is there anything spring loaded ? Just don't want a surprise and loose a part. Regards |
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redracer Member
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Nothing to really "surprise" you, but yes there is a spring that pushes down on the special machines metal part that engages the pinion shaft. You can use needle nosed pliers or tweezers to pull that part out to give you an idea of how it works. You would also pull that part out if you plan to add oil/MoS2/whatever. |
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jomac Member
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After trying a tighter tolerance fit to pinion, it made no change in the play, but after a closer look found the movement is coming from the lower steering u joint. Order one from martinrobey.com. The upper steering shaft and u joint are in good condition That leaves only the column bushing at the firewall. I Hope that is not it , looks like a bear to service. |
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redracer Member
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The standard test for determining play in the shaft is to LIGHTLY move the steering wheel(maybe by a friend of your arm isn't long enough) and visually look at the U joints, both upper and lower. The firewall bushing from the factory is a cheap piece of leather inserted into a sleeve--absolute rubbish. DELTA sells a perfect replacement in neoprene which MUST have the silicone lube supplied with it shmeared onto it, or it will "squeak" forever |
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jomac Member
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Redracer How do you replace the steering bushing at the firewall? I can't see it from under the hood. |
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redracer Member
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You need to remove the steering wheel, then the 4 cross point screws(#2) holding the aluminum bearing. Then loosen the upper steering shaft U-joint(just in front of the firewall) so you can pull the collapsible shaft up through the interior compartment. While you have this out, it would be a good idea to redo the nylon upper shaft "break" pins, since they are likely already broken(use the SEARCH box in the JHPS site forthis) |
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jomac Member
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Redracer Thanks , also, would you know the i.d. of the bushing that you used. I believe its 5/8 " , but not sure. My thought is to replace that bushing with a 2 bolt flangette ball bearings setup? Fastened to the firewall.i think there's room . Your thoughts on this idea? Regards |
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redracer Member
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Sorry--forgot to mention the original bushing has leather for the bearing surface. DELTA sells VERY nice neoprene ones and include silicone paste which MUST be applied or the shaft will squeal . |
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