Forum

Forum Forum

99 Oldsmobile bravada loose gearbox

by fm@1234567 on Feb 08 2018, 3:48 AM

gear box is loose, all of the front end parts are solid, with moog everything. How would I go about tightening the gear box?

You must be signed in to reply or vote on this post.

3 Replies

By 1986chevyman Oct 04 2018, 2:46 PM

The manufacurers do not recommend adusting the nut and stud on top of the gear box. I would replace the gear box in question.

Sign in to vote 0
By blazerwrench Mar 01 2018, 10:34 AM

I've had 4 Blazers (87, 94, 98, 02) and worked on many S10's. I found many '95-'96 and newer have loose steering gearboxes, but first check other joints. With the truck on the ground, steering wheel centered, have someone wiggle the steering wheel while you look for looseness at the u-joint between the rag joint at the gearbox and the end of the steering column. I found a very loose one on a '99 Bravada also and I fixed it by replacing a broken internal spring, might be easier to get a used one or new Steering Column Intermediate Shaft for about $100. Check rag joint for play. If those are okay, check the gearbox pittman shaft for side-to-side play. I've found worn shafts and bearings. Sometimes that adjustment at the top will help. Loosen lock nut, tighten with allen wrench a small amount (try to remember the original position), tighten lock nut and ride check. It doesn't take much to make it too tight, you will notice that the steering wheel will not center itself and will stay where you put it. It can take several tries and you still may not get rid of the play. If the pittman shaft has no side play and all the other joints are tight, it could be the adjustment for the gearbox input shaft, but I haven't found that to be a common problem. If everything else is tight, the play is inside the gearbox, likely in the worm gear and recirculating balls. I have a little play in my '02 Blazer steering that I can't fix by adjustments or new parts. I've had an '87 & '94 Blazer that both had better steering. When my '94 got wrecked, I put that gearbox in the '98 and it was much better. I think there may have been some design changes or poor machining of the internal parts on the newer gearboxes. You might try getting a used or rebuilt gearbox for '88 thru '94 (4.3L). Good luck!

Sign in to vote 0
By shadetreetech Feb 26 2018, 9:48 PM

There is and adjustment on top of the gear box for Sector shaft and pinion mating clearance.. Consult the service manual. Otherwise Loosen the lock nut and turn the center adjustment.

Sign in to vote 1

Forum Home

Member Directory

Forum Rules and FAQ

Garage Rewards Points