Steering of 81 Fiat FI

[Docdawg]

Have replaced steering box and rocker arm but car is still not steering really good. I live in Roversville, TN east of Knoxville and have as of yet found anyone to work on my Fiat, any suggestions appreciated.

[vandor]

What are the symptoms?
I have a colleague in Knoxville, I will ask him.

[klweimer]

Have you replaced anything else on the front end? After 36 years, anything remaining that is original should be replaced. Also possible the alignment is whacked. If you jack the front end slightly off the ground, you can see how the steering behaves when unloaded. Also check tire pressure.
Kirk

[Docdawg]

The steering wheel has a lot of play in it now

[So Cal Mark]

if the steering has a lot of play you have worn parts.

[ORFORD2004]

If, with front wheels in straight ahead position, steering wheel free travel at rim is more than one inch, steering box may need adjustment.
The adjustment between worm and roller must be made with pitman arm in mid position (front wheels straight ahead).
Loosen locknut. turn adjusting screw clockwise until steering wheel free play is less than 1 inch.
To check that adjustment is not to tight, move steering wheel from left turn to full right turn. (wheels of the ground)
There should be no binding or tightness at end of wheel travel. If tightness is felt, back off on adjustment until it is eliminated.
With screwdriver holding adjusting screw in position, tighten locknut to secure adjustment.

From my Fiat Bible

[vandor]

Just because the steering box is new it may need an initial adjustment. Also if the steering box is not centered (same number of turns to the left and tothe right) there will be excessive play on center. I would guess most shops would not check this.

[vandor]

My colleague says that he has taken his old Fiats (X1/9s) to Alignment Professionals, and they were sympathetic to old cars.