An unconstrained equalization method and apparatus with gain and timing bias to control runaway are provided for a direct access storage device (DASD) data channel. A direction for moving each of a plurality of tap weights of a finite impulse response (FIR) filter is calculated. New tap weights are determined for each of a plurality of tap weights in the direction. A gain of the FIR filter for the new tap weights is compared with a set threshold gain value. A polarity of a gain bias is set to adjust a gain of a gain loop of the data channel by a preselected amount responsive to the compared gain and set threshold gain values, A phase lag of the FIR filter for the new tap weights is compared with a set threshold phase lag value. A polarity of a timing bias is set to adjust a phase lag of a timing loop of the data channel by a preselected amount responsive to the compared phase lag and set threshold phase lag values.