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Challenger steering adjustments ?????

Posted: Sun Aug 24, 2008 9:20 pm
by fritzelhund
Having now gotten used to my 2001 ( sold 2002 ) LS Challenger over the last 3 months and fitting two new Bridgestones, I have noticed a tremor at the straight ahead position... it isn't there with the steering wheel at anything just off straight ahead.. so I assume it is not a wheel balance problem ( but will get them rebalanced anyway ). Is there a freeplay adjustment on the steering box ?
The truck has less than 90 000 ks under its belt and I just wonder if a slight adjustment may be in order.
Thanks,
Fritzelhund

Posted: Sun Aug 24, 2008 9:52 pm
by -Scott-
Slight toe problem? Have you checked your front tyres for unusual wear patterns - like feathering?

Posted: Mon Aug 25, 2008 6:53 am
by NJV6
There is (well Pajero's do) a freeplay adjustment on the top of the box but I wouldn't have imagined that would be it...?

I need to do mine as in the straight ahead position I can move the steering wheel from about 11 to 1 without the pitman arm moving. Makes it a bit vague and wondery(er).... :D

Posted: Mon Aug 25, 2008 7:32 pm
by fritzelhund
Thanks guys,
There is no feathering and after about 1000 ks the new Dueler 694s (?) still have the moulding dimples visible.
I was running at the recommended pressure ( 26 PSI ) but this arvo boosted pressure to 36 and the "problem" has all but disappeared.... so maybe just a bit of oversensitivity in the valving of the steering box or the boxhead doing the steering..... found the slotted bolt and locknut on the steering box too but have yet to do anything more. Max recommended pressure for the 265/70/15s is 44 PSI, and with 36 I can't really say the ride has become rougher.
This suspension set up is proving a pleasant mix.. a bit tough over patched or broken bitumen surfaces but wonderfully compliant over big swoopy country road dips. It hasn't bottomed out yet even when loaded.
Found an annoying couple of rattles too, one was the batteries in a maglite torch kept on the floor and the other was the lid of the door ashtray... and there I was blaming the rear seat backs.. which also surprised me as they tilt into 3 positions.