steering box
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Elder User
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 739
Likes: 1
From: Murfreesboro, TN
steering box
Just wondering....
I've never driven my truck... but when we drug it up the driveway and pushed it down into the barn, my son said the steering wheel had a LOT of play.
What would most likely be the cause?
Tie rod ends?
or
the steering box?
How hard is it to pull the steering box apart. I've looked over the shop manual and it makes me nervous....
Thanks in advance.
(53 F100)
I've never driven my truck... but when we drug it up the driveway and pushed it down into the barn, my son said the steering wheel had a LOT of play.
What would most likely be the cause?
Tie rod ends?
or
the steering box?
How hard is it to pull the steering box apart. I've looked over the shop manual and it makes me nervous....
Thanks in advance.
(53 F100)
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 16,188
Likes: 4,792
From: Burbank, WA
It could be all of the above, and more. There's lots of moving parts that make up the steering linkage. If all of those parts have a little bit of wear, it all adds up together to be a lot of slop. You'll just have to inspect it and do an assessment of condition throughout. A lot of stress is placed on those little gears in the steering box and they are commonly found used up pretty good after 50 years.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 27,297
Likes: 1,059
From: NM
So, while we're "kind of" on the subject, do you know if you can just pop the end plate off a stock box, to see what condition it's in? I don't see any reason why you couldn't, as long as you don't turn the wheel. I need to replace the gasket, too.
FTE Legend
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 32,020
Likes: 2,423
From: Upstate NY
It should be full of grease. That is why it is leaking! NumberDummy nailed this down in a post last April sometime.
As far as play in steering, there are usually many guilty parties! They certainly don't give those drag links away!
As far as play in steering, there are usually many guilty parties! They certainly don't give those drag links away!
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 27,297
Likes: 1,059
From: NM
Everything I've heard is that grease won't work on these boxes.
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Posting Guru
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 2,068
Likes: 7
From: Moyie, BC Canada
They are easy to take apart, and you will see lots of grease but not in the right places. Just take some grease cutter or gas on a rag and clean it all out. Diesel works good too. When it's clean you will see how relatively simple they are.
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See A Man About A Horse
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 4,935
Likes: 697
From: Mariposa, Ca.
I recently filled my steering box with Genuine Ford Steering gear Lubricant,I believe it's called now "X19".It is correct for my 59, and other years,my Napa parts guy gave me a leftover tube he had from when he owned an old Fairlane.NumberDummy gave me the info,plus I did a search and found that thread, AFTER I had filled - and then lost - a good amount of 90 wt.on my driveway.The steering improved ,the box doesn't leak.
This site does explain the proper lubricant,it's a good one:
http://www.stangerssite.com/lubrication.html
This site does explain the proper lubricant,it's a good one:
http://www.stangerssite.com/lubrication.html
Posting Guru
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 2,068
Likes: 7
From: Moyie, BC Canada
I recently filled my steering box with Genuine Ford Steering gear Lubricant,I believe it's called now "X19".It is correct for my 59, and other years,my Napa parts guy gave me a leftover tube he had from when he owned an old Fairlane.NumberDummy gave me the info,plus I did a search and found that thread, AFTER I had filled - and then lost - a good amount of 90 wt.on my driveway.The steering improved ,the box doesn't leak.
This site does explain the proper lubricant,it's a good one:
http://www.stangerssite.com/lubrication.html
This site does explain the proper lubricant,it's a good one:
http://www.stangerssite.com/lubrication.html
Last edited by Mervy49; Oct 16, 2010 at 11:36 PM. Reason: asking question
See A Man About A Horse
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 4,935
Likes: 697
From: Mariposa, Ca.
Well, yours is, I guess, a 49,mine's a 59.They may have changed specs somewhere in between.All the info I found said to use a chassis molybdenum ("moly") grease,but NOT a wheel bearing type grease.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 27,297
Likes: 1,059
From: NM
I recently filled my steering box with Genuine Ford Steering gear Lubricant,I believe it's called now "X19".It is correct for my 59, and other years,my Napa parts guy gave me a leftover tube he had from when he owned an old Fairlane.NumberDummy gave me the info,plus I did a search and found that thread, AFTER I had filled - and then lost - a good amount of 90 wt.on my driveway.The steering improved ,the box doesn't leak.
This site does explain the proper lubricant,it's a good one:
http://www.stangerssite.com/lubrication.html
This site does explain the proper lubricant,it's a good one:
http://www.stangerssite.com/lubrication.html
The "bright side" to my box leaking is that it drips right onto the front spring, I never have to spray that one down!
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 15,882
Likes: 88
From: Durham NC
ND's info was right from ford and the grease has a ford part#, so I'd believe him first.
To discover where the slop is is an easy task. Put two large c clamps on the frame on either side of the drag link to lock it in place. Turn the steering wheel back and forth to check play in the box. More than 1" of freeplay at the rim of the wheel the box needs attention, either adjustment or rebuild. Now put a jack under the center of the axle and jack the front wheels off the ground. Grab a wheel at 3 and 9 o'clock and try to turn them as in steering. If you can move them more than a tiny amount, have someone watch while you do it and see where/what is moving. Finally put a large prybar or pipe under each wheel and grab at the top of the wheel. Lift up and down on the bar while pushing in and out on the wheel. If it moves in and out or up and down you have worn kingpins (or possibly worn or loose wheel bearings).
Now remove the C clamps and fix whatever is worn.
To discover where the slop is is an easy task. Put two large c clamps on the frame on either side of the drag link to lock it in place. Turn the steering wheel back and forth to check play in the box. More than 1" of freeplay at the rim of the wheel the box needs attention, either adjustment or rebuild. Now put a jack under the center of the axle and jack the front wheels off the ground. Grab a wheel at 3 and 9 o'clock and try to turn them as in steering. If you can move them more than a tiny amount, have someone watch while you do it and see where/what is moving. Finally put a large prybar or pipe under each wheel and grab at the top of the wheel. Lift up and down on the bar while pushing in and out on the wheel. If it moves in and out or up and down you have worn kingpins (or possibly worn or loose wheel bearings).
Now remove the C clamps and fix whatever is worn.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 27,297
Likes: 1,059
From: NM
Edit: Here it is. We'll have to discuss when he gets back from vacation. The FSM, all the lube charts, everything calls for 90 wt.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/9...-steering.html