My van steering is OK with not much play at the wheel, but there's quite a bit of end float on the output shaft, which rattles noisily in and out. Is this normal.
There are different types of steering box. The design on mine does not have any axial play. Do you have a picture of yours.
I'll have a look at the type - got the Bentley manual out so should be able to identify which box it is, although no mention of end float in there.
There are two shafts in the box, each with a large helix. The adjustment screw pulls the output shaft axially until its helix meshes with the other shaft. Thus there should be no axial or radial play when adjusted. However, even if unadjusted the adjustment screw should prevent any axial movement.
Saw the adjustment procedure in the Bentley manual, but since I can't get the front wheels off the ground, I settled for eliminating the end float using the adjuster screw and then topping up with gear oil. The steering was groaning a bit, so I suspect lack of lubrication. It will be interesting to see if it all comes out of the shaft seal now!
I know, but it's easy to see the backlash in the shaft when I can rattle it in and out with my hand. I just did it up snug, backed off a bit until the smallest amount of play could be felt and then a tiny bit to remove that play. It's better than nothing and lubed up now as well.
