Steering Play

[dcarey]

1978 Spider. I have about 2" of play, at the steering wheel. The play is at the steering box. Can I adjust some of this out with the set screw on the box and is there any method to doing so?

Dave

[narfire]

I had about 1 inch side to side so I took a 17mm to the nut at the top of the steering box,loosened and turned the screw in one turn,tightened back up and no more play. If you are not sure about the fluid level,check that as well. I have a fi so getting at the thing seemed easier than this fellows 79 I helped with the past wekend.

[kmead]

There is a process, I wrote it out in the course of this thread:

http://www.fiatspider.com/f08/viewtopic ... 14&t=11039

Basically do it with the front end off the ground, don't over tighten it. Tighten it just enough to remove the play, if you notice more after driving it around, adjust again. Making it too tight can cause undo wear.

I would strongly suggest buying a few different manuals. They are inexpensive and can make any job much easier.

[dcarey]

Did it and it helped reduce the play from 2.5 inches to around 1.25 inches.

BTW, does anyone know what fluid goes into the steering idler arm damper and the steering box?

Dave

[wikkid]

Fluids:
http://www.fiatspider.com/f08/viewtopic ... 14&t=11655

HTH.
-Chris