Kaiser Frazer Owners Club Forum

General Category => Henry J & Allstate Forum => Topic started by: flyn A on June 09, 2013, 09:44:30 AM

Title: gearbox adjusting?
Post by: flyn A on June 09, 2013, 09:44:30 AM
Is there a way to adjust play in the steering gearbox on my henry j? Thanks, Andy
Title: Re: gearbox adjusting?
Post by: joefrazer on June 09, 2013, 11:59:23 AM
Yes, it can be adjusted. First, remove the nut (it's actually a cap) and the star washer from the top of the steering box. That will expose a slotted screw. Tighten that screw to where it feels snug but not too tight. Then, turn it back 1/8 turn. Replace the washer and cap. That should help reduce play.
Title: Re: gearbox adjusting?
Post by: flyn A on June 09, 2013, 12:40:09 PM
Thank you for your response.  Andy
Title: Re: gearbox adjusting?
Post by: boatingbill on June 09, 2013, 02:44:41 PM
I was shown a slightly different way many years ago and it has worked for me. Tighten the screw 1/8
turn and then hold screw in that position with screwdriver and tighten lock nut. Drive car around the
block and check for play. Repeat this until steering feels slightly "snug" meaning that as you turn a
corner, the steering will return to center position with little or no effort. I just did this on my '51
Kaiser a few months ago and know that it is the same for other makes, not just KF products.
Title: Re: gearbox adjusting?
Post by: joefrazer on June 09, 2013, 07:44:38 PM
On the big cars, you can also adjust the center link where it attaches to the frame. Turn that nut/bolt in one turn and it'll snug your steering too.
Title: Re: gearbox adjusting?
Post by: boatingbill on June 10, 2013, 12:32:47 PM
JoeFrazer: Good idea. The first procedure mentioned removes play in the steering wheel by
adjusting the steering sector box and the second procedure adjusts for play in the steering
linkage. Both should be done.
Title: Re: gearbox adjusting?
Post by: retired wrench on June 12, 2013, 01:30:19 PM
I  would jack up the front end and adj. till I could feel a slight drag while passing the straight ahead position. This can best be felt by grasping a front wheel at 9 oclock and 3 and turning from side to side.