Power Steering Box Adjustments XA - XG

the miracle stick mechanic · November 27

Notes:
There is absolutely no need to dismantle the steering box unless oil leaks are occurring .
After removal, rotate from lock to lock until ALL the oil is expelled to prevent fluid friction affecting the adjustments .

Removing preloads
1. Remove allen key plug #5 and undo the output shaft adjuster 2-3 turns anti-clockwise.
2. Loosen the locknut and undo the input shaft bearing adjuster #26 by 1/2 to 1 turns anti-clockwise.
3. Loosen the locknut and undo the power steering piston adjuster #10 by 1/2 to 1 turns .
Now you are ready to make the three adjustments

Note: The aim is to create some binding and friction as the input shaft passes through the straight ahead position from each side.
But this friction should only be created by the final adjustment made on the output shaft.
This helps the car to maintain a straight line course and prevents the steering from wandering .

1. The three adjustments are to be made while the steering is turned about a 1/4 turn away from the straight ahead position .
This is because the steering box is designed to have freeplay when the steering wheel is turned away from the central position .

2. The steering box must be removed from the car to make the adjustments because the first two adjustments are critical and must not bring about any friction as the steering box passes through the straight ahead position .
You will not feel the friction with enough sensitivity if you are turning the steering wheel with the box installed.
This must be done by feeling with your hand as you rotate the input shaft one quarter turn either side of the straight ahead position (with the flexible coupling fitted ).

3. The three adjustments are the input shaft (the shaft connected to the steering wheel ),
the power steering piston, and finally the output shaft (the shaft connected to the pitman arm)

4. The adjustments are made in the order mentioned directly above in point three.

5. The adjustments are made in this order because only the third and final adjustment made on the output shaft should introduce any friction as the input shaft passes through the straight ahead position

6. The input shaft adjustment is made the exact same way a wheel bearing is adjusted .
ie. Tighten/preload the bearing adjustment nut and then back off slightly ensuring no friction is felt as the input shaft is turned after adjustment .

7. The power steering piston is adjusted clockwise until friction occurs as the box passes through the centre position . The adjustment must be made with the box turned 1/4 turn off centre in either direction .
Then back it off until the friction is completely removed. But only just removed .

8. Finally, tighten the output shaft adjuster until a little bit of binding occurs as the box passes through the centre position .
Make the adjustment whilst the box is turned 1/4 turn off-centre.
You should be able to turn the box through the centre position using your hand to rotate the flexible coupling.
It shouldn't be easy to turn through the centre position .
And it shouldn't be hard to turn through the centre position .
Find the middle ground .