steering issue

[5thwheel]

I am new to the site, I have a 72 GMC. Recently it has developed some play in the steering wheel, about a quarter turn either way before it grabs and starts turning. I was told by a local mechanic it is the power steering gearbox, is this something I should tackle myself? Thanks for any input you can give.

[KEL]

welcome
if the play happened all at once, i might
look at the rag joint before i pulled the box.

[mdwilf]

Likely supects are:rag joint, steering box, all the rest of the steering components - Idler & pitman arms, tie rod ends, etc.

Have someone wiggle the wheel while you look things over - if you can't find any play in any of the components, then it's inside the box.

I've adjusted a few other types of boxes & assume these are the same, just loosen that nut with the funny bolt inside it & tighten things up, then tighten the outside nut again, but someone with more experience will jump in & give better instructions.

[5thwheel]

thanks for the feedback, it's always had some play in it, but recently it seems to be worse. it sounds good when you turn the wheel, no unusual noises.