The Ford Barn

western77 · 12-11-2010, 09:21 AM

I am rebuilding my model A steering box. It is a two tooth box. I put a new nos sector in but used the old worm. When I adjusted the box according to the Andrews book, I can get the movment out of the pitman arm in the center position. But when I move to the right or left 1/2 turn, I can shake the arm 1/8 inch. It is the same amount on both sides but tight in the center position. Is this the ware in the worm showing up? Should the worm and the sector be in constant mesh without any play in the pitman arm in the whole turning from stop to stop? Thanks, JB

mrfirebird73 · 12-11-2010, 10:33 AM

I was told if you replace the sector you should replace the worm with it.

Doug in NJ · 12-11-2010, 10:43 AM

It is normal for the mesh to be tighter in the center. (That's where it needs to be tight).
One of the adjustments allows you be make sure that the tighter spot is actually in the center, and not off to one side.
If it was loose in the center and tighter off to either side, that wold be a sure sign that the worm is worn out.
Do you mean you can move the ball end of the arm 1/8" when it is off-center? That sounds quite reasonable to me.

Doug

western77 · 12-11-2010, 01:20 PM

Hi Doug, Yes it is the ball end of the arm. Thanks for information. I will paint the box and assemble it inthe car next week. JB

Doug in NJ · 12-11-2010, 02:36 PM

Are the bearing races on the worm OK? Also check the upper bearing race (the part that the steering column clamps to) for cracks. Those were the parts that I had to replace on my steering.

Doug

western77 · 12-11-2010, 05:23 PM

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Yes, the races and bearings look good. The upper race had some pits so I reground it on the lathe, no cracks. The up and down adjustment of the worm gear felt real good, rotated very smooth with no tight spots. I also bored out the sector housing and put in the roller bearings and a seal on the end. Thanks for your imput. JB

12-11-2010, 09:21 AM	#1
western77 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Grand Rapids Mi Posts: 168	adjusting two tooth steering box I am rebuilding my model A steering box. It is a two tooth box. I put a new nos sector in but used the old worm. When I adjusted the box according to the Andrews book, I can get the movment out of the pitman arm in the center position. But when I move to the right or left 1/2 turn, I can shake the arm 1/8 inch. It is the same amount on both sides but tight in the center position. Is this the ware in the worm showing up? Should the worm and the sector be in constant mesh without any play in the pitman arm in the whole turning from stop to stop? Thanks, JB

12-11-2010, 10:33 AM	#2
mrfirebird73 Member Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 77	Re: adjusting two tooth steering box I was told if you replace the sector you should replace the worm with it.

12-11-2010, 10:43 AM	#3
Doug in NJ Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Princeton, NJ Posts: 965	Re: adjusting two tooth steering box It is normal for the mesh to be tighter in the center. (That's where it needs to be tight). One of the adjustments allows you be make sure that the tighter spot is actually in the center, and not off to one side. If it was loose in the center and tighter off to either side, that wold be a sure sign that the worm is worn out. Do you mean you can move the ball end of the arm 1/8" when it is off-center? That sounds quite reasonable to me. Doug __________________ My '31 S/W sedan project:http://31ford.dougbraun.com My restoration diary: http://dougbraun.com/blog

12-11-2010, 01:20 PM	#4
western77 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Grand Rapids Mi Posts: 168	Re: adjusting two tooth steering box Hi Doug, Yes it is the ball end of the arm. Thanks for information. I will paint the box and assemble it inthe car next week. JB

12-11-2010, 02:36 PM	#5
Doug in NJ Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Princeton, NJ Posts: 965	Re: adjusting two tooth steering box Are the bearing races on the worm OK? Also check the upper bearing race (the part that the steering column clamps to) for cracks. Those were the parts that I had to replace on my steering. Doug __________________ My '31 S/W sedan project:http://31ford.dougbraun.com My restoration diary: http://dougbraun.com/blog

12-11-2010, 05:23 PM	#6
western77 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Grand Rapids Mi Posts: 168	Re: adjusting two tooth steering box Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) Yes, the races and bearings look good. The upper race had some pits so I reground it on the lathe, no cracks. The up and down adjustment of the worm gear felt real good, rotated very smooth with no tight spots. I also bored out the sector housing and put in the roller bearings and a seal on the end. Thanks for your imput. JB