Mitsubishi Canter Steering Box Free Play Adjustment Guide: Expert Tips & Procedure

Table Of Contents

• Introduction
• Understanding Steering Box Free Play
• Tools Required for Adjustment
• Safety Precautions
• Step-by-Step Adjustment Procedure
• Common Issues and Troubleshooting
• When to Seek Professional Help
• Maintenance Tips for Prolonged Steering System Life
• Conclusion

Excessive steering wheel free play in your Mitsubishi Canter can compromise vehicle control, safety, and handling performance. As the steering wheel develops more 'play' or movement before the wheels respond, drivers experience decreased precision and increased risk, especially during emergency maneuvers. With over 50 years of experience in reconditioning automotive components, Sing Spare Parts Co understands the critical importance of proper steering system maintenance.

In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk you through the process of diagnosing and adjusting steering box free play on Mitsubishi Canter trucks. Whether you're a professional mechanic or a vehicle owner with basic technical knowledge, our step-by-step instructions will help you restore optimal steering performance and enhance safety. We'll cover everything from understanding what steering box free play is and how to measure it accurately to performing the adjustment procedure and knowing when professional intervention is necessary.

Understanding Steering Box Free Play

Steering box free play refers to the distance the steering wheel can be turned before the wheels begin to respond. Some free play is normal and necessary in any steering system, but excessive play indicates wear or improper adjustment that requires attention.

Normal vs. Excessive Free Play

For Mitsubishi Canter trucks, the acceptable steering wheel free play typically ranges between 10-20mm measured at the steering wheel rim. When free play exceeds this range, it's time to perform an adjustment. Excessive free play manifests as:

• Delayed response when turning the steering wheel
• A 'wandering' feeling while driving straight
• Difficulty maintaining lane position, especially in crosswinds
• Inconsistent turning radius
• Unusual noises when turning the steering wheel

Causes of Increased Free Play

Several factors can contribute to increased steering free play in Mitsubishi Canter trucks:

• Normal wear and tear of steering components
• Improper previous adjustments
• Worn steering box internal gears
• Loosened adjustment mechanisms due to vibration
• Poor lubrication of steering box components
• Heavy-duty use or overloading the vehicle

Tools Required for Adjustment

Before beginning the adjustment process, gather the following tools to ensure you can complete the job properly:

• Socket wrench set with appropriate sockets
• Box-end or open-end wrenches
• Screwdriver set (flathead and Phillips)
• Torque wrench
• Free play measurement tool or ruler
• Jack and jack stands
• Wheel chocks
• Clean shop rags
• Steering box lubricant (if necessary)
• Service manual specific to your Mitsubishi Canter model

Having the correct tools not only makes the job easier but also helps prevent damage to steering components during the adjustment process.

Safety Precautions

Safety should always be your primary concern when working on steering systems. Follow these essential precautions before beginning any work:

1. Work on a level, solid surface that can safely support the vehicle
2. Apply the parking brake and chock the wheels to prevent unexpected movement
3. If lifting the vehicle, use proper jack stands rated for the vehicle's weight
4. Disconnect the battery's negative terminal if working near electrical components
5. Wear appropriate safety gear including gloves and eye protection
6. Never work under a vehicle supported only by a jack
7. Allow the engine to cool completely if it has been running

Remember that steering system failure can lead to serious accidents. If you're unsure about any aspect of the adjustment process, consulting a professional is always the safest choice.

Step-by-Step Adjustment Procedure

Follow this detailed procedure to properly adjust the steering box free play on your Mitsubishi Canter:

Step 1: Measure Current Free Play

Before making any adjustments, it's important to measure the current free play to determine if adjustment is necessary and to establish a baseline:

1. Park the vehicle on level ground with the wheels pointing straight ahead
2. Turn the steering wheel gently left and right until you feel resistance
3. Measure the total distance of movement at the steering wheel's rim
4. Compare this measurement with the recommended specification (typically 10-20mm)

Step 2: Locate the Adjustment Points

On most Mitsubishi Canter models, the steering box adjustment points include:

1. The main adjustment screw, typically located on the top or side of the steering box
2. A locknut that secures the adjustment screw in position

These components are usually accessible from under the hood, though some models may require access from beneath the vehicle.

Step 3: Prepare for Adjustment

1. Clean the adjustment area thoroughly to remove dirt and debris
2. Inspect the steering box for leaks or damage
3. For better access, turn the wheels straight ahead
4. Loosen the locknut securing the adjustment screw (typically counterclockwise)

Step 4: Make the Adjustment

1. With the locknut loosened, slowly turn the adjustment screw clockwise to reduce free play
2. Make small adjustments of 1/8 to 1/4 turn at a time
3. After each adjustment, check the steering wheel's free play
4. Continue adjusting until the free play is within the specified range

Important: Never over-tighten the adjustment screw. Excessive tightening can cause premature wear, steering binding, and potential steering failure. The steering should remain smooth and consistent throughout its entire range of motion.

Step 5: Test the Adjustment

1. Once adjusted, hold the adjustment screw in position and tighten the locknut securely
2. Check that the steering wheel turns smoothly in both directions
3. Verify there are no binding points throughout the steering's range of motion
4. Recheck the free play measurement to confirm it meets specifications
5. Take the vehicle for a test drive on a safe, low-traffic road

During the test drive, pay attention to how the steering responds, particularly when moving from a straight line to a turn and back again. The steering should feel responsive without excessive looseness or binding.

Common Issues and Troubleshooting

Even after adjustment, you might encounter some issues. Here's how to address common problems:

Free Play Returns Quickly After Adjustment

If free play returns shortly after adjustment, this typically indicates worn steering components beyond what adjustment can fix. Common culprits include:

• Worn steering box internal gears
• Damaged sector shaft
• Worn input shaft bearings

In these cases, the steering box may require reconditioning or replacement. At Sing Spare Parts Co, we specialize in reconditioning steering components to factory specifications.

Steering Feels Stiff After Adjustment

If the steering feels unusually stiff or binds at certain points after adjustment:

1. Loosen the adjustment slightly by turning the adjustment screw counterclockwise in small increments
2. Recheck the steering operation after each adjustment
3. Verify the steering box has adequate lubrication
4. Check for other issues like misaligned wheels or damaged steering linkage

Uneven Steering Feel

If the steering feels different when turning left versus right:

1. Check for damage or wear in the steering linkage
2. Inspect the tie rods and ball joints for excessive play
3. Verify wheel alignment settings
4. Ensure the steering box mounting bolts are properly torqued

When to Seek Professional Help

While many Mitsubishi Canter owners can successfully adjust steering box free play, certain situations call for professional assistance:

• If free play cannot be reduced through normal adjustment procedures
• When you notice fluid leaks from the steering box
• If the steering feels notchy or inconsistent even after adjustment
• When unusual noises (grinding, clicking, or knocking) persist
• If the vehicle pulls to one side despite proper adjustment
• When steering effort varies significantly throughout the turning range

At Sing Spare Parts Co, our team of experienced technicians specializes in steering system diagnosis and reconditioning. Our proprietary SP3G method has been refined over 50 years to restore steering components to optimal performance. We offer professional services for hydraulic power steering racks and other steering components when adjustment alone isn't sufficient.

Maintenance Tips for Prolonged Steering System Life

To extend the life of your Mitsubishi Canter's steering system and minimize the need for frequent adjustments:

Regular Inspection

Incorporate steering system checks into your regular maintenance routine:

• Check steering fluid levels and condition monthly
• Inspect for leaks around the steering box and hoses
• Monitor steering feel and free play during normal driving
• Look for signs of damage to steering components during routine undercarriage inspections

Proper Loading Practices

Mitsubishi Canter trucks are workhorses, but proper loading helps protect steering components:

• Never exceed the manufacturer's recommended weight limits
• Distribute loads evenly to prevent uneven stress on steering systems
• Avoid overloading the front axle, which directly impacts steering components

Component Replacement Considerations

When steering components do require replacement, quality matters:

• Use high-quality replacement parts designed for your specific Canter model
• Consider reconditioned components from reputable specialists like Sing Spare Parts Co
• Replace related components as a set when one shows significant wear
• Don't overlook related systems like drive shaft components that can affect overall vehicle handling

Our drive shaft and constant velocity joint collections include quality components that complement steering system repairs and help maintain overall vehicle performance.

For vehicles with power steering, proper maintenance of the power steering system is equally important. Our expertise extends to both hydraulic steering racks and electric power steering systems.

Conclusion

Proper adjustment of steering box free play is essential for maintaining safe and responsive handling in your Mitsubishi Canter. The procedure outlined in this guide should help you diagnose and correct excessive free play through careful adjustment of the steering box.

Remember that while free play adjustment is an important maintenance task, it's just one aspect of comprehensive steering system care. Regular inspection, proper loading practices, and timely replacement of worn components all contribute to a safe, reliable steering system. When adjustment alone isn't sufficient, or if you encounter any of the warning signs mentioned, professional inspection and reconditioning may be necessary.

With over five decades of experience in reconditioning automotive components, Sing Spare Parts Co stands ready to assist with all your steering system needs. Our expertise in drive shaft reconditioning, steering rack rebuilding, and our proprietary SP3G method ensures your vehicle receives the highest quality care available.

For professional steering system inspection, reconditioning, or replacement parts for your Mitsubishi Canter, visit Sing Spare Parts Co or contact our technical team for expert advice tailored to your specific vehicle needs.