HI all- I have a 51 ford F1 and the steering is really sloppy. I couldnt figure out how to adjust it on the truck and figured it might need an overhaul so I pulled it out and took it all apart.What I was expecting to find was some very badly word parts. Im not sure I see that. I am looking at the worm gear and the roller. Those 2 parts seem to be ok, however I do see some scaring on the roller flat areas where it contacts the worm gear.

My problem is that I dont want to do more than I have to in the way of the rebuild. Its bad enough that I pulled it all apart but I don't want to buy each and every piece. I think the kit is 200.

My question is how do I tell how worn the parts are? The book is useless in this area aas the pictures dont even reference my column in much detail. I found another article here that was old but had some great stuff such as a parts list. I would like some guidance on how to gauge how badly the parts are worn especially the worm and roller gears. Again, the major symptom was sloppy or excessive play in steering wheel.

thanks
Fitty

 

If the worm is good, not having to replace it is a huge deal. Replacing the sector roller is a piece of cake comparatively, and it sounds like doing that and the bearings will make it good. Can you post pictures of the worm and roller, close up?

 

Ill take some pics tonight of the worm and roller and whatever else Thanks for the reply

fitty

 

Cool. I am in the middle of the same process. I am looking forward to the pics for comparison. I will try to post mine. Steve

 

Wow... must be in the air....
My steering wheel (though not really used yet) does have a lot of slop. I had the wheels off and was rotating the wheels and everything seems tight but the pitman arm seems to have play.... not having taken anything apart, I'm guessing the pitman arm is connected to the worm gear? I've read that there is an adjustment to tighten the whole box up without taking it apart????? Is this a possible fix, or do I have to tear it apart and look at the ball and gear?
VERY interested in reports on how you guys make out.

 

The pitman arm is on the end of the sector gear (roller). The adjustment on the side of the gearbox only takes up play in-out on the sector shaft. That usually isn't the problem.

 

hey all- here is a link to the pictures of the worm and roller gears. Look at the roller- it has some pitting in it and I dont know if this is shot or what. My wheel is very sloppy so I want to tighten it up however I can.

https://picasaweb.google.com/1014594...eat=directlink

thanks
fitty

 

Your sector roller looks bad, but the worm looks OK to me.

 

How difficult is the process of re-building this thing?
I have visions of springs and pieces flying all over the place....
Is it hard to take apart and put back together?
Or pretty self evident once you start?

 

Steve- I thought it was going to have a bunch of pieces too but it really doesnt.. Mine is a bit more complicated because it has the column shifter so I am addressing them individually.You are more fortunate than I haveing a later F100. Parts are more available and if you really didnt want to mess with it, someone could rebuild it for you. Its hard finding people that do this work for the earlier models.

The only part that may be a problem is pressing off the old worm gear but you can actually buy the shaft with a new worm gear on it already.