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Old 07-07-2016, 07:44 PM   #1
Six volt
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Default Steering box adj.

I have a question about adjusting the steering box worm gear end play, I have read the instruction book a number of times. I loosened the bolts and have the 1/8" space between the end cover and the body. After a close inspection I see there are multiple very thin shims that first looked like one thick gasket. Instructions say not to take the cover off as the rollers will fall out. Does anyone have experience as what I could use for a tool to remove a shim or two? And how to go about it? Thank you.
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Old 07-07-2016, 08:12 PM   #2
JSeery
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Default Re: Steering box adj.

This is from VanPelts site: http://www.vanpeltsales.com/FH_web/f...tmt1937-48.htm

"The end play in the steering column shaft is controlled by shims and the body (Figure A). To take up worm shaft end play, loosen the 4 housing cover screws about 1/8" and remove top shim. The housing cover should not be removed completely because there is danger of the bearings falling out of place. The shims can be pulled out one at a time after the housing cover screws have been loosened enough to drop the cover 1/8". Tighten cover screws and check adjustment. The shaft should be free to turn with no perceptible drag yet have no end movement."

This may be the same as what you are already reading. I would use something sharp to carefully separate the gaskets and then remove (believe this involved destroying it) the gaskets one at a time until you get the correct load. Go slow and careful, it is going to be much more difficult to install a gasket if you get it to tight.
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Old 07-08-2016, 06:41 AM   #3
Terry,OH
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Default Re: Steering box adj.

Rollers falling out? I believe upper and lower are all caged pre 1950. What year and model? The end plate spring washer is supposed to exert pre-load pressure on the rollers and their races. If all of the pre loaded pressure is gone and you have end play, removing a 0.010" thick gasket will not re-establish the pre load. Your box has past the point of this adjustment. I would suggest to disassemble and check the bearings and races and even the spring washer.
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Old 07-08-2016, 07:20 AM   #4
JSeery
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Default Re: Steering box adj.

There must be some confusion here Terry, this is the normal way steering boxes are adjusted. The shims adjust the bearing load, you remove shims to increase the load. Are we refer to two different things? The shim(s) consist of multiple shims, if the adjustment required is outside the range of the number of shims remaining, then you would need to take other measures.

The procedure for a rebuild is:

"Bearing end play is adjusted by shimming the lower race which protrudes slightly from the case. The end cap is installed to determine the size and number of gaskets needed.

Adjustment is a cut-and-try process. Begin with three thick green gaskets between the end cover and the box. There should be a very slight drag on the steering shaft when it's turned. If there is no drag, remove one gasket and check again. If there is too much drag, add another gasket, a thinner brown one. If you don't hit the right combination at first, be patient; you'll soon get it and then be ready to assemble the steering box."
Attached Images
File Type: jpg Flathead_SteeringGear_1937-48crossA.jpg (140.5 KB, 36 views)
File Type: jpg Flathead_SteeringGear_1937-48cutwyC.jpg (38.7 KB, 31 views)

Last edited by JSeery; 07-08-2016 at 07:37 AM.
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Old 07-08-2016, 08:17 AM   #5
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Default Re: Steering box adj.

Thanks JSeery, I'll try getting one separated at a time and working it out.
I think I can come up with a long thin blade, and maybe grind down an old needle nose pliar to fit in there a bit for this job. 1/8" is a small dark work area. I needed to know from someone on here that I was looking where I should be looking. And I forgot to say the car year although you may have already knew from a recent post. I'm going to tackle this today, thank you.
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Old 07-08-2016, 08:32 AM   #6
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Default Re: Steering box adj.

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Yep, doesn't sound like fun. Remember that the gear box fluid is going to come out when you loosen the bolts! Messy dirty job for sure. This is just me, but 1/8 inch sounds like a very small working space.
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