steering box play

[340 swing]

I have a 1970 swinger with power steering. I was going to do the alignment when i noticed the steering wheel moves about 4 inches before the wheels move (car not Running) I tried to adjust it but it gets tight feeling (binding). My question is how much play is normal? I don't really notice it when driving but it's hard to get the wheel straight with that much play. Is this something that's easy to rebuild or is it better to have it done or exchanged. Any stories good or bad?

 

[340 swing]

bump

 

[daliant]

Thats normal, power steering boxes have some play in them when the engine isn't running.

 

[340 swing]

Is there a correct way to check the play? Is there a spec or procedure to check it? Thanks for the input.

 

[caferacerx]

check it with the engine running,
if there is no play with the engine running dont worry about it, its fine