I'd like to attempt to see if I can remove some play in the steering wheel by adjusting the screw on the steering gear box and my question is how much can I safely turn the screw in to remove play?

I'd like to attempt to see if I can remove some play in the steering wheel by adjusting the screw on the steering gear box and my question is how much can I safely turn the screw in to remove play?

I've done this and it has made an improvement. If you go too far it will feel noticably uncomfortable immediately and the steering will feel like it has increased friction. Find a happy medium between taking out the slop and increasing the friction. You will probably have to turn the adjuster screw less than a full turn.

As said, I loosen the locknut and turn the screw in until it bottoms out, you'll feel it, then back off 1/4-1/2 turn and lock in place.

If gear is worn in the center, the wheel will be fine, but then go to one side of center and if wheel binds, too tight.

As said, I loosen the locknut and turn the screw in until it bottoms out, you'll feel it, then back off 1/4-1/2 turn and lock in place.

If gear is worn in the center, the wheel will be fine, but then go to one side of center and if wheel binds, too tight.and won't return to straight ahead without you turning it back.

Jeff

OK, thank you, I'll give it a try.

OK, I finally was able to get to adjusting the steering gear box today!.....As I stated, I have slight play in the steering wheel!.....I was afraid to adjust that adjustment screw too much, for fear of ruining something, so I adjusted the screw 1/2 turn in with the front wheels off the ground.....The steering wheel feels a little tighter however a test drive will tell for sure and as I stated in the frame connector thread, that'll have to wait another day!....Will keep yopu posted.

Are there any pictures here that show me where the adjustment screw is?

The screw is on top of the box with a lock nut.
Do not OVER tighten to compensate for something worn else wear...
Check ball joints tie rod ends, pitman arm etc for ANY play, before even thinking about steering box....(oh a little play is normal in bottom ball joints)
Adjust as Everett says above, but only to where there is no drag anywhere in the lock.
If there is still too much play, rebuild.
And yes adjust, then test drive, jack up and retest, often one gets a slight extra more.
The adjustment is often VERY sensitive..1/8 can make a big diff.

When adjusting the screw on the steering box, is it necessary to have the front tires off the ground?

yes, and then road test , jack up and recheck

i adjusted my steering before I reinstalled it in the car. Turning it by hand with the rage joint I could feel the gears tighten up in the center and then looser on both sides. I thought that makes sence because you would want all the play out of the gears when driving down the road. Mine was really loose because I turn that screw a good turn and maybe a little more.

roger

Job complete. Jacked up the front of the car, wiggled the steering wheel back and forth just enough to barely move the front tires, turned in the screw on the steering box till the play in the wheel was minimal and locked the nut. Test Drive....No binding....wheel returns after turns.

I must have turned the screw in about 3/8's of a turn. Not 100% perfect but a lot better (maybe 90% better). I didn't want to chance ruining the box.

Thanks to my buddy John. He volunteered to adjust the screw, so I could blame him if we messed up the steering box!

By the way, I have to say.....This site has helped more times I can think of with every aspect of my car.

Every time I have have question about my Camaro, I always find the answers here!

Gotta love it! Thanks Team Camaro!