7-tooth rebuild

[Fred K-OR]

Originally Posted by Vin-tin

New shims are on my list of items I need to buy. I just don't want to buy parts I don't need. Especially expensive ones like the sector.

Be sure you put the correct number of shims in. It will take more or less of them depending on your situation. I found it to be a trial and error situation until I eliminated most of the play.

[Tom Wesenberg]

I would put a coat of Mystik JT-6 grease on the bushings and gears and reassemble it with the correct number of shims for zero freeplay in the steering shaft, then see how much freeplay you have. Clamp a large vice grip on the square part of the sector and see if you can move it back and forth.

About 8 years ago I went to an auction in Wisconsin and bought a 7 tooth complete column with a nice steering wheel for only $10. It had no detectable freeplay, so I got very lucky.

[whirnot]

I rebuilt mine last fall, replacing only the sector not the worm. I did have to replace the housing as someone had done in incorrect boring job to install needle bearings. Bert's had a nice original tube. As I recall the sector wasn't that expensive. Replaced all bearings and a new shim kit, seals etc.and no leak tube. Works great, with almost zero play.

[Sparky]

I had very good results in mine by replacing the sector shaft and the lower rod bushing. I got the replacement reduced-diameter bushing and had the shaft machined to fit. The play went from 2" to less than 1/2" at the steering wheel. A new worm may reduce it some more but I find it acceptable.

[Vin-tin]

Originally Posted by Tom Wesenberg

I would put a coat of Mystik JT-6 grease on the bushings and gears and reassemble it with the correct number of shims for zero freeplay in the steering shaft, then see how much freeplay you have.

I think i'll do that Tom. Now that all the crud and hard grease is cleaned off of everything, i'll be able to tell better what exactly is going on.
Thanks Tom and to everyone else.
Stay tuned.

[Vin-tin]

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

I re-assembled the steering box. Used the original shims to eliminate the up and down play in the steering shaft. Also adjusted the sector screw and lock nut. I'm still getting my steering wheel play and it's from a worn sector shaft and bushings. Remember, this box had grease in it when I tore it down, not 600w. The bearings, shafts, and bushings probably seen very little lube, if any. It all stayed right in the box around the worm and sector teeth.
So I think if I go ahead and replace the sector and bushings, along with the 2 thrust bearings, it will tighten things up to where it should be. If not, I can still order the worm or any other part later on.