Dead spot in steering wheel after Redhead install

[Yeret]

About a couple months ago, I installed a Redhead steering gear in my truck. BIG difference in overall steering feel!

However, over the last couple weeks, I've noticed that the steering has lost it's sharpness, and I've zeroed it down to a "dead spot" in the steering wheel. Basically, if the steering wheel is at the "zero" position and whether or not the engine is running, I can plant a finger on the steering wheel and easily rotate it about an inch or two either way before it seems to catch anything.

I've since gone under the hood and verified that that this "slop" is definitely at the gear. I can grab the steering shaft and rotate it in the same range as the steering wheel before I encounter any resistance. The u-joint in the shaft is free of slop, and I just can't think of anything else in the linkage that would account for this problem.

Redhead flat out says not to adjust the gear as it will void the warranty, but I am well past that stage anyway (I purchased the unit about 2 years ago, yeah, I'm slow to get to my repairs, LOL), but I'm thinking that this is necessary to deal with this problem. Anyone have any other suggestions, or should I try adjusting the gear?

 

[tron67j]

I don't have any knowledge of your set up but think it is worth saying that if the manufacturer of a steering component is so adamant that an adjustment should not be made that they void the warranty, maybe listen to them. It isn't the actual warranty loss (you are maybe out already?) but that they think it is a really bad idea. Doing an adjustment to such a critical component then waiting to find out why they say not to, not the best game to play.

Suggest you contact them first, they may have some advice on your problem.

 

[HarryS]

Unless you have the specific instructions on adjusting that particular gear, you'll probably do more damage than good.

 

[Dean2]

Call Redhead!!!! Ten to one they can tell you exactly how to fix this far faster than the internet. The OEM steering box on my 96 2500 has an adjustment nut to take slack out of the gear box. Every 8 or 10 years I adjust it 1/8 to a quarter turn. Still working great at 265000 klms.

 

[Yeret]

Just realized that I hadn't updated this, LOL.

So, to my eternal embarrassment, turns out the slop was simply the result of a loose steering coupler due to the pinch bolt working it's way loose. Apparently, gutentite wasn't tight enough this time. So, I took the time to break out the torque wrench, tightened it properly, and now the steering is all better! I'm gonna keep an eye on it though, because I'm certain I had tightened it adequately the first time, but...I guess it wasn't good enough! An obvious +1 to the "use the damned torque wrench whenever you can" protocol.

Of course, during this time, the power steering system had developed a leak. After wiping everything down and working it a bit, I've traced it to the pump itself, so another component to replace. One of these days, my truck's steering system will truly be tight and right, LOL!

 

[Sherman Bird]

About a couple months ago, I installed a Redhead steering gear in my truck. BIG difference in overall steering feel!

However, over the last couple weeks, I've noticed that the steering has lost it's sharpness, and I've zeroed it down to a "dead spot" in the steering wheel. Basically, if the steering wheel is at the "zero" position and whether or not the engine is running, I can plant a finger on the steering wheel and easily rotate it about an inch or two either way before it seems to catch anything.

I've since gone under the hood and verified that that this "slop" is definitely at the gear. I can grab the steering shaft and rotate it in the same range as the steering wheel before I encounter any resistance. The u-joint in the shaft is free of slop, and I just can't think of anything else in the linkage that would account for this problem.

Redhead flat out says not to adjust the gear as it will void the warranty, but I am well past that stage anyway (I purchased the unit about 2 years ago, yeah, I'm slow to get to my repairs, LOL), but I'm thinking that this is necessary to deal with this problem. Anyone have any other suggestions, or should I try adjusting the gear?

Not adjust it? That's exactly what you need to do AFTER you make sure that the play isn't somewhere else. The people who built the gear are afraid you'll overload the preload on the adjuster.
Don't you have a repair manual which gives instruction for adjustment? If not, GET ONE!
It's not rocket science, however, if you're afraid of it, get it adjusted by a pro.

 

[thewanderer]

Call Redhead!!!! Ten to one they can tell you exactly how to fix this far faster than the internet. The OEM steering box on my 96 2500 has an adjustment nut to take slack out of the gear box. Every 8 or 10 years I adjust it 1/8 to a quarter turn. Still working great at 265000 klms.

Which way do you turn that adjustment to tighten up the box?

 

[Dean2]

Which way do you turn that adjustment to tighten up the box?

Hold lock nut with wrench, use Allen Wrench to turn centre screw clockwise 1/8th of a turn at a time. Hold in place and tighten lock nut. Check that your steering wheel returns to center after a turn. IF you over adjust the settings it will make the return too stiff.