This is an area that can take some fine-tuned adjustment, although it is rarely an issue uneasily resolved. Usually when binding is felt, the driver will notice a stiff spot in the steering wheel approximately every 90 degrees. It can be adjusted more than most people recognize, and with some applied knowledge and understanding of why it is binding, all binding will disappear.

Binding most commonly occurs in the upper U-Joint. Binding occurs when the angle has become too extreme OR when the double U-Joint is not properly aligned. If the double U-Joint gets an "S" configuration in it, as opposed to a nice straight arch down to the rack, it will start to bind. There are several different methods to go about adjusting this. The most common method to relieve this angle is to loosen the steering column at the two inner locations. One at the fire wall under the dash and the other under the dash up closer to the steering wheel. With the steering column loose, pull back on the steering wheel toward the driver. This should relieve some of the angle. When making this adjustment, be sure to let the support bearing for the intermediate shaft "float" - or in other words, leave the jam nuts loose. Once the steering column is as far to the rear of the car as the double U-Joint will allow, tighten everything back up. 99% of the time, this will eliminate any binding felt in the double U-joint.

For the more obstinate instances, if pulling the steering column all the way back does not relieve the angle, more adjustment is available. With the steering column loose at both locations and the support bearing "floating," use some form of leverage bar (a 2x4 or piece of metal) and move the end of the steering column over toward the engine. The rubber grommet that the steering column passes through at the fire wall has adjustment built into it for side to side adjustment as well as up and down. (This was to accommodate for the large tolerances when mounting the body to the frame at the factory.) By moving the front end of the steering column toward the center of the vehicle, you are even more so relieving the angle on the double U-Joint.