I have removed the steering column and gearbox from my 444, cleaned them and clamped the gearbox into my trusty Black and Decker Workmate.

As I turn the steering shaft and move the gearbox through its range of motion I find that there is lot of play or loosness in the Pitmann arm as the arm nears the end of its range of motion to either the right or left. I do mean a lot - like 1/8+". But as it moves away from the extreme left or right the arm becomes tight with no play at all. In fact it feels sort of "draggy" as I turn it through what would be straight ahead.

I am wondering if this is normal or a problem. I see that there is a large adjusting nut and screw within the top cover but have been unable to find instructions on doing the adjustment. I have a 544 service manual shows how to rebuild the similar (but different) box on the 544 but does not tell how to adjust it - at least not that I could find. My 444 CD service manual shows a great picture of my gearbox but is in Swedish and seems to be covering about the same ground as the 544 manual.

My first inclination is to drain and replace the oil, paint it and move on, waiting to see how it works when the car is assembled. My kingpins and bushings and the tierod ends seem OK. I have replaced all of the other front suspension bushings and have rebushed the idler arm so it is tight.

So what say ye? Is it normal to have that play at the ends of the travel of the steering box? If not what should I do?

Keith W. in Illinois
444 Project