I have recently purchaced a 90 Iroc this is the third 3rd gen. I've owned. I have a problem with loose or squishy steering, I have checked the tie rods, centerlink, idler arm, steering arm, ball joints, steering shaft, and wheel bearings. All are in good condition. The car is in excellent condition and only has 108k miles on it. Can I adjust the steering firmness on the steering box or does that only adjust the play. My other two 3rd gens. had alot firmer steer and this car doesn't quite feel right. Somebody help me PLEASE!!!
MadMatt

 

Are all the bushings in good condition?

 

take it for an alignment and they will let you know what (if anything) is out of spec before they align it. including the bushings and mounts

 

my steering isn't soft or anything but it has the air inflation steering crap and its very light to turn and such, define what you mean by squishy...

 

My car has ALL new front end parts except ball joints...Steering feel was noticibly better but it still tracks all over the road and is hard to align because of the balljoint slop.

 

Bad ball joints is something check first, for sure. Won't drive straight worth a damn with worn out ball joints.

But to answer your direct question, yes, the steering box can be tightened up to a small degree. On the top of the box there is a bolt-and-lock-nut assembly. The inner part turns with an allen key. The outter nut is the lock nut. Break the lock nut loose. While holding the lock nut in place with a wrench so it can't turn, tighten the allen key in the center down until it bottoms and then back it off 1/2 turn. Now hold the allen key stationary so it can't turn and tighten the lock nut down. When driving if the steering feels "sticky" you tightened it too far- try again.

On several of my 3rd gens this has made an "oh, wow" kinda improvement in steering feel. On others it didn't help and it was obvious the entire guts of the box were worn out and needed replacement. Yes, steering boxes can wear out. Rarely in 100K miles, but up around 200K they are usually toast and this little trick won't help.