Pittman adjustment screw shims

[Ralph P.]

This question is probably for Gary Ramadei..... What is a source for the special shims used between the sector shaft and adjuster screw on a C2 steering box ? Also, what is the correct clearance & what are the symptoms of a problem in this area? I see shims listed as part of a rebuild kit, but, not as an individual item.
I finally installed a rebuilt box I've had for years & believe I have the "high point" marks lined up per the manual . However, I did not do a "bench adjustment" ( my inch/lb torque wrench STARTS at 20 ). I don't remember any shims on the adjustment screw. Yeah, your first question is how I saw that part of the adjustment screw on a rebuilt & adjusted box?? Well, I had previously removed the cast iron cover to replace my incorrect aluminum part instead of changing out the box.... ...obviously destroying the adjustment . So,it may, or may not, need a shim.

THANKS for any help!

[Joe L.]

Re: Pittman adjustment screw shims

This question is probably for Gary Ramadei..... What is a source for the special shims used between the sector shaft and adjuster screw on a C2 steering box ? Also, what is the correct clearance & what are the symptoms of a problem in this area? I see shims listed as part of a rebuild kit, but, not as an individual item.
I finally installed a rebuilt box I've had for years & believe I have the "high point" marks lined up per the manual . However, I did not do a "bench adjustment" ( my inch/lb torque wrench STARTS at 20 ). I don't remember any shims on the adjustment screw. Yeah, your first question is how I saw that part of the adjustment screw on a rebuilt & adjusted box?? Well, I had previously removed the cast iron cover to replace my incorrect aluminum part instead of changing out the box.... ...obviously destroying the adjustment . So,it may, or may not, need a shim.

THANKS for any help!

Ralph-----


A shim kit was once available from GM under GM #605142. However, it was discontinued about 6 years ago. Where one obtains them now, I do not know. It might be possible to fabricate the shims from shim stock.

[Timothy B.]

Re: Pittman adjustment screw shims

If you purchase the rebuild kits they have very thin shims and you use them along with the shim that's there now to tighten the clearance. I believe the spec is .001-.002 so it's a tight spec. If it's loose the I think the sector gear will lower into the worm gear when the box is exercised and the gear mesh will create wear in the straight ahead position. The box will not hold an adjustment.

[Joe L.]

Re: Pittman adjustment screw shims

If you purchase the rebuild kits they have very thin shims and you use them along with the shim that's there now to tighten the clearance. I believe the spec is .001-.002 so it's a tight spec. If it's loose the I think the sector gear will lower into the worm gear when the box is exercised and the gear mesh will create wear in the straight ahead position. The box will not hold an adjustment.

Timothy------


The aforementioned GM shim kit contained 4 shims of 0.063", 0.065", 0.067" and 0.069".

[Gary R.]

Re: Pittman adjustment screw shims

Hi Ralph.................The common kits do have a small selection of thin shims, 002-005" in size. They can be made out of shim stock as Joe mentioned and I suppose some vendors sell them outright. I have stock on them as well, probably more stock on 63-82 boxes then most in fact. The manual shows the shim check in an unloaded position. I load them when I set them to go along with the other mods I do. If you can't find them let me know, I can bring some to Carlisle if needed.

[Gary R.]

Re: Pittman adjustment screw shims

Timothy------The aforementioned GM shim kit contained 4 shims of 0.063", 0.065", 0.067" and 0.069".

Joe...... Those were the thick shims that Saginaw used in the assembly. Typically the stock shims are loose anywhere from 004-010", although I have seen some very close but never any in the 001-002 range.

[Joe L.]

Re: Pittman adjustment screw shims

Joe...... Those were the thick shims that Saginaw used in the assembly. Typically the stock shims are loose anywhere from 004-010", although I have seen some very close but never any in the 001-002 range.

Gary------


These are the only shims I can find that were ever available from GM/Saginaw in SERVICE.

[Gary R.]

Re: Pittman adjustment screw shims

Gary------These are the only shims I can find that were ever available from GM/Saginaw in SERVICE.

Joe......... the kit shims do come with a thicker shim but it's undersize and I end up tossing them all in a box. If I need a stock type shim like you mentioned and can't find one I have to machine one up. Same for the lash nut, that is one part I haven't found, at least easily. It is a 7/16-20 thread but uses a 5/8 hex, not sure why they used a 5/8 hex instead of the common 11/16 nut but it's always a dead give away when checking a box someone was working on it, usually not too well either.

[Ralph P.]

Re: Pittman adjustment screw shims

Thanks for the good info..... Gary, I appreciate the offer at Carlisle...I'll see what I can find & let you know.