Re: [Chrysler300] 1956 300B, Power Steering Questions, Help Needed

[Michael Moore <mmoore8425@xxxxxxx>]

On my 62 steering box, there is a control valve on top. You can break an arm adjusting it if you are not careful.
Here's how I was told to do it, and I did it this way:
1. Front wheels off ground.
2. At all times, stay clear of the steering wheel as it will snap violently when you start the engine.
Without touching the steering wheel, start the engine. If the wheels are straight ahead, and the valve is misadjusted, the steering wheel will whip rapidly to wherever the control valve is set. Stay clear! Turn engine off. 
3. There are (I think) two bolts  holding the control valve down. Loosen them enough that you can slide the valve a tiny amount. Note which way you slid it. Standing clear of steering wheel, start engine and see where steering wheel turns.
4. In my case, I had to remove the valve cover to replace the gasket which was leaking. Chrysler used to sell a kit for that. 
It's a repetitive process ( at least for me) but not hard to do. It's rewarding when you get it right, but do stand clear of the steering wheel when you start the engine each time.   
Mike Moore
300H


On May 1, 2012, at 6:48 AM, Don Verity wrote:

> That adjustment is for the later box. It's the control valve on top of the box. When properly adjusted the car will NOT self steer with the wheels off the ground. If it is off, the wheel will steer by itself to the side that it is off. 
> Alignment and end play have the effect on self centering. If the adjustment is cranked down to hard in a miss guided attempt to get rid of steering wheel play, you will have to steer the car back to center all the time and it will wander all over because the wheel stays wherever it's pointed. Not enough positive caster will also affect self centering. 
> I'm only familiar enough with the early steering box to see that it's more complicated and less forgiving than the 58 and up style.
> Don Verity
> 
> ----- Original Message ----- 
> From: The Richardson Family 
> To: Chrysler300@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx 
> Sent: Tuesday, May 01, 2012 8:18 AM
> Subject: Re: [Chrysler300] 1956 300B, Power Steering Questions, Help Needed
> 
> If I recall correctly, isn't there is an adjustment possible on the steering box that may remedy Larry's problem? Assuming alignment is correct, (caster specifically) and you have the front wheels off the ground and started the car, I believe if set up correctly, hydraulic pressure would return the wheels to straight.
> 
> I'll try to dig up more info if I can.
> 
> Dan Richardson
> 300L Family Heirloom
> 
> ----- Original Message ----- 
> From: Larry Jabin 
> To: Jim Ashenmacher ; Chrysler300@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx 
> Sent: Monday, April 30, 2012 3:47 PM
> Subject: RE: [Chrysler300] 1956 300B, Power Steering Questions, Help Needed
> 
> My 300D also does the same thing even after replacing the steering box
> Wheel does not return to straight ahead on its own after turning left or right
> Does not seem to have any binding
> I would also like to see all reply's
> 
> Thanks
> 
> Larry Jabin
> P.W. Bellingall, Inc.
> 500 Sansome Street
> Suite 501
> San Francisco, CA 94111
> Tel: 415-781-8640
> 
> Larry@xxxxxxxxxx<mailto:L.jabin1007@xxxxxxxxxx>
> 
> From: Chrysler300@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx [mailto:Chrysler300@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of Jim Ashenmacher
> Sent: Monday, April 30, 2012 1:39 PM
> To: Chrysler300@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
> Subject: [Chrysler300] 1956 300B, Power Steering Questions, Help Needed
> 
> My 300B is almost ready for the road. After a long winter of replace/repair the last item to do is the power steering. I need advice on the following problem.
> 
> Vehicle, when purchased, had a "off center" steering problem, i.e., turned left OK but when turning right there's a definite "catch" and car wanted to remain turning right, as if jammed. It appeared to be, and felt like a mechanical bind in the steering box.
> 
> All suspension parts checked out OK, no binds or problems.
> 
> I had another steering column that came with the car so we swapped out the column. Car runs and drives great however doesn't return to neutral, i.e., if turning left, wants to stay left, same if turning right. There isn't the "catch" like in original column but obviously has a problem.
> 
> Any ideas on verifying where the problem actually may be?
> 
> If needing rebuilding is their a vendor to be recommended? I know the coaxial steering gear is not something all will handle.
> 
> Any idea of cost to get rebuilt?
> 
> Thank You Kindly
> Jim Ashenmacher
> 300B
> 
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> 
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> 



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