Just picked up an 87 Graduate

1391 Views 6 Replies 5 Participants Last post by Sapilot143, Mar 30, 2009

nogtv

Discussion Starter · Oct 6, 2007

Very nice, complete, strong solid car with 54K on the odo. A little TLC and a lot of elbow grease will bring much instant gratification. Quick question, the steering seems a little loose on center. It is not as tight as my former GTV or Duetto, theres more turn required to get the front to respond. Any suggestions?

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Tifosi

· #2 · Oct 6, 2007

Tie-rod ends, ball joints, alignment and steering box adjustment are the usual culprits.

Even if the miles are low, the parts are likely 20 years old (unless someone changed them recently, which is doubtful) and pretty well worn out just from age.

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tiger0529

· #3 · Oct 6, 2007

I'll second what Tifosi has mentioned. Here's my 2 cents: The easiest (& the most economical - it won't cost a penny if you have regular tool set & a jack) of all is the steering gearbox adjustment, if you have a ZF box. Raise the front off the ground (it's important) and loosen a locknut (19mm IIRC) at the top of steering gearbox, tighten (not too much, just make it snug) the screw inside of the nut with a flathead and tighten the locknut - you are done. It has worked on two of the series 3 Spiders my mother has owned!! If you have a Burman box you'll have to remove shims (washers) from inside of the box, which can be done w/o removing the box from the car but I have not tried this myself so I let somebody else explain...

Hope this helps,

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Cosmo

· #4 · Oct 6, 2007

tiger0529 said:
If you have a Burman box you'll have to remove shims (washers) from inside of the box, which can be done w/o removing the box from the car but I have not tried this myself so I let somebody else explain...

It's just as easy. Two bolts hold a small cover on top of the box. remove one or two of the shims from underneath and see how it goes. Two shims tightened up the play for me. I've got a RHD car and it's easier with the intake plenum removed. A LHD car may be easier (or not

)

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Sapilot143

· #5 · Mar 30, 2009

How tight should the steering box nut be

Need to adjust the steering on my 88 graduate.. Undid the lock but I cant seem to tighten or loosen the adjustment screw.

Dont want to damage or force the adjustment screw, but wanted to know how tight the screw usually is ? I did go with loosen first to see if it would move.

cheers

Dave

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Tifosi

· #6 · Mar 30, 2009 (Edited)

You adjusting it using the method below, or just going after it with a screwdriver and wrench? (hint: it's not a 'how tight it usually is' result as the outcome is determined by the assembly, not a torque spec)

EDIT:

Do note that you 'should' be able to at least back the adjuster screw out a bit with little effort once the locknut is loosened regardless of the steering being uncoupled as described in the above.

Mayhaps a shot-n-soak of PB blaster or the like is in your future to help free things up pre-deliberate adjustment.

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Sapilot143

· #7 · Mar 30, 2009

Thanks Darren

Got it loose. Just needed a little muscle power. Once I had it free, easy movement in and out.

Did the adjusments slowly (about 1/8 of a turn at a time) and test drove between each till the steering play was dramtically reduced. Took a little over 1/4 of a turn to get her feeling nice.

Did check to see that there was not noticable restriction of the steering at full lock either directly

Cheers

Dave

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