Clark C500 SERIES:
Steering loose

Rebuilt rear (ball joints, spider bearings). I had about a quarter turn slop in the steering wheel (steering wheel turns but pitman arm does not. I cranked the thrust screw (one on the side) all the way in and reduced it to about an eighth of a turn. Much better but still pretty sloppy. The up and down of the column is real tight.

Questions: can the gear box be rebuilt or does it have to be replaced?

If I pull the plate off from the side (the one the thrust screw adjuster goes through can I get to the gear parts or do I have to pull the whole thing off?

Thats a pain because the bolts holding it are (as always) real pain to get to.

Has anybody ever rebuilt the gear box?
  • Posted 23 Oct 2014 02:31
  • Discussion started by duane_c
  • Texas, United States
Showing items 1 - 9 of 9 results.
Did you check the stud ball in the steer cylinder. This steer cylinders has to be calibrated.
  • Posted 23 Oct 2014 09:02
  • Reply by pastrana_j
  • Puebla, Mexico
If the adjuster is in all the way then most likely the bearings supporting the shaft up to the steering wheel are loose. They are tapered roller bearings and maybe you can take up some of the looseness by turning the big screw adjuster on the bottom of the box but most likely they are failing and need replacement. It shouldn't be too much of a problem to pull the steer gear assembly out and apart.
  • Posted 23 Oct 2014 07:46
  • Reply by mrfixit
  • New York, United States
they were I replaced them
  • Posted 23 Oct 2014 07:39
  • Reply by duane_c
  • Texas, United States
One other thing to check would be the steer link ball studs,link goes from the steer box to the spider assembly...are the ball studs loose and worn out???
  • Posted 23 Oct 2014 06:49
  • Reply by kevin_t
  • Pennsylvania, United States
Its an 1/8 of the turn of the steering wheel. But you are correct it is kind of an **** thing. I completely rebuilt the steering system (other than the steering box) and it's tight as a bone. So the slop is just a bugga-boo of mine, but is definitely a cost thing. If its two or three hundred bucks then you are right whats an 1/8 of a turn among friends.

Thanks for your help.
  • Posted 23 Oct 2014 06:39
  • Reply by duane_c
  • Texas, United States
I'm not sure if those steer box assemblies can be rebuilt or not,with as old of a truck as it is might not be able to get the parts to rebuild or replace,only way to find out is to call a clark dealer,give them your FULL model AND serial number for the truck and see what availability AND pricing would be... Is 1/8 of an inch of free play really that critical for the age of it???
  • Posted 23 Oct 2014 05:31
  • Reply by kevin_t
  • Pennsylvania, United States
Kevin,

Thanks for the doc. I already had it. The problem is I have turned the lash (I called it the thrust initially) in as far as it will go and still have about an 1/8 free play.
  • Posted 23 Oct 2014 05:26
  • Reply by duane_c
  • Texas, United States
yes i do i put it in
  • Posted 23 Oct 2014 05:12
  • Modified 23 Oct 2014 05:13 by poster
  • Reply by duane_c
  • Texas, United States
Duane...do you have an email to put in your profile?
  • Posted 23 Oct 2014 02:46
  • Reply by kevin_t
  • Pennsylvania, United States

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