Suzuki sj 410

[comanche 2,989]

I've been told that it is possible to reduce free play in my steering box and have what appears to be an adjuster and lock-nut . Is this true and any tips most welcome ?

[DDD 4]

Do a search for a worm & sector box adjustment (presume thats what it is).

 

Pain in the backside to do & very easy to get wrong - if in doubt, leave it.

 

You'll need to jack front end up to do it too.

 

Cheers

[Geoff.C 0]

The official amount of play in the steering wheel is 10 to 30 mm. If it exceeds this, you can screw in the wormshaft preload screw a bit. Half a turn may be enough. To actually set the preload, Suzuki recommend removal of the steering box, but I think it can be done in situ.

You would have to disconnect the steering column, and the pitman arm, so the steering box is isolated. Line the pitman arm with the wormshaft, then wrap string around the rubber coupling, pull on this string with a spring balance. The starting torque, (the load on the balance as the box starts to rotate) is 4.3 to 7.5 lbs. Rapid wear can happen if you just guestimate the adjustment, so don't over do it.

Most of the old SJ's are fairly loose by now, as long as the steering damper controls any oscillations you are usually ok.

[comanche 2,989]

The official amount of play in the steering wheel is 10 to 30 mm. If it exceeds this, you can screw in the wormshaft preload screw a bit. Half a turn may be enough. To actually set the preload, Suzuki recommend removal of the steering box, but I think it can be done in situ.

You would have to disconnect the steering column, and the pitman arm, so the steering box is isolated. Line the pitman arm with the wormshaft, then wrap string around the rubber coupling, pull on this string with a spring balance. The starting torque, (the load on the balance as the box starts to rotate) is 4.3 to 7.5 lbs. Rapid wear can happen if you just guestimate the adjustment, so don't over do it.

Most of the old SJ's are fairly loose by now, as long as the steering damper controls any oscillations you are usually ok.

 

 

Thanks (A bit belated ,sorry ) for that advice. Old thing went straight through the MOT but the free play was an "advisory" .Your instructions make perfect sense .Thanks very much!