Steering Box adjustemnt??
 

I recently had the steering shaft u-joint replaced, it was really bad.

Now it turns much better but I'm left with about an inch of free play in the steering wheel.

Does anyone know who to adjust free play either the rack or steering box?

From what I can see I think the steering shaft goes right into the rack and I'm not sure if there is any adjustment.

Any input with experience would be very helpful. Thanks.

2002 4.4

I had the rack torn apart, cleaned all the teeth then tightened the lash and it felt like new. Make sure all the burrs are milled down or at least make sure all faces have the correct angles.

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Yeah, I don't want to rebuild the rack.....is there a adjustment for free play like on a typical steering box?

Yes there is.

Right at the bottom of the rack. IIRC there is a big nut and the adjustment bolt in the middle of it.

You loosen the big nut and adjust the rack, then re-tighten the big nut.

Thats what I remember doing, it's been a while since I've been down there.

Thanks Man!!! It's tough to get a lift lined up and I did not want to waste time take everything apart for not. Now I can set up some lift time, I've adjusted them before but NOT on any BMW's ,wasn't sure they had any adjustments.

Those nuts are usually on a steering box and I did not see a steering box I just saw the shaft went directly into the rack. Again I can only see from the top looking down.

No prob! Yeah, you will see it when you get it up in the air, it's accessible from the bottom.

Heck, I remember crawling underneath and adjusting it without even jacking it up lol! It was a really tight fit though but I managed.

Thanks, its tight were I am...I could try and jack it up but a friend has a lift have to work around his schedule and bring my tools.

I've adjusted free play way in the past and its takes like 5 mins. Longer to take off the splash shield.

Yup its pretty much like that.

It does get reluctant to self center if you get it too tight though, lol

TRUTH!!! :bustingup My mom's 260,000+ mile FX35 was insanely loose and had play so I tightened it up. A little bit too much... HAHA, was an interesting test drive. Needless to say... I backed it off a quarter turn or two. :D

Haha yeah, I learned the hard way too!