Replaced Steering Gear / Alignment help & question
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Postmaster
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 2,922
Likes: 9
Replaced Steering Gear / Alignment help & question
Just replaced the power steering gear (Ford, not Saginaw) in my 67 automatic w/390ci. I was careful to put everything back the way it was but I'm dealing with 2 issues that I'm hoping you can help with. I had the steering wheel at 9&3 with the wheels straight ahead when I bolted everything up. Back on the road for a test drive and I have to hold it at 10&4 and I mean hold it. It wants to go left.
Where the lower coupling assembly connects to the steering shaft is bolted up like it came apart. I'd have to rotate it 180 or 360 degrees to do it any differently and I don't think that will solve my problem.
Where the pitmann arm connects to the sector shaft is the only other place where these 2 pieces come together and although the splines on the pitmann arm suggest it could be rotated to any position, there is a slot where it lines up so I don't think I am off there.
What did I miss? This thing steered like a dream. Better than any of my modern cars. Any suggestions?
Thanks,
Where the lower coupling assembly connects to the steering shaft is bolted up like it came apart. I'd have to rotate it 180 or 360 degrees to do it any differently and I don't think that will solve my problem.
Where the pitmann arm connects to the sector shaft is the only other place where these 2 pieces come together and although the splines on the pitmann arm suggest it could be rotated to any position, there is a slot where it lines up so I don't think I am off there.
What did I miss? This thing steered like a dream. Better than any of my modern cars. Any suggestions?
Thanks,
Fleet Owner
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 20,678
Likes: 82
From: NorCal
Just replaced the power steering gear (Ford, not Saginaw) in my 67 automatic w/390ci. I was careful to put everything back the way it was but I'm dealing with 2 issues that I'm hoping you can help with. I had the steering wheel at 9&3 with the wheels straight ahead when I bolted everything up. Back on the road for a test drive and I have to hold it at 10&4 and I mean hold it. It wants to go left.
Where the lower coupling assembly connects to the steering shaft is bolted up like it came apart. I'd have to rotate it 180 or 360 degrees to do it any differently and I don't think that will solve my problem.
Where the pitmann arm connects to the sector shaft is the only other place where these 2 pieces come together and although the splines on the pitmann arm suggest it could be rotated to any position, there is a slot where it lines up so I don't think I am off there.
What did I miss? This thing steered like a dream. Better than any of my modern cars. Any suggestions?
Thanks,
Where the lower coupling assembly connects to the steering shaft is bolted up like it came apart. I'd have to rotate it 180 or 360 degrees to do it any differently and I don't think that will solve my problem.
Where the pitmann arm connects to the sector shaft is the only other place where these 2 pieces come together and although the splines on the pitmann arm suggest it could be rotated to any position, there is a slot where it lines up so I don't think I am off there.
What did I miss? This thing steered like a dream. Better than any of my modern cars. Any suggestions?
Thanks,
.
Cargo Master
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 3,010
Likes: 250
From: North Pole, Alaska
Line up your wheels straight. Take off nut of steering wheel, and using a puller, remove steering wheel. Put back on in correct orientation. Tighten nut. Put wheel back together. Drive and recheck. If not quite right, do it again.
Elder User
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 891
Likes: 0
From: Mayfield, KY
First, take it and get an alignment done. That will keep it from being a Nascar truck, then, you can adjust your steering wheel if need be. Nice thing about these old Fords is you have a lot of splines you can get the steering wheel exactly as you like it.
Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 1,668
Likes: 3
From: Lincoln USA
The only adjustment a typical shop is going ot be able to do is toe in. To adjust caster and camber you'll need to take it to a shop that has the special equipment, and somebody that knows how to run it, to COLD bend your I-beams. I doubt this is your issue, however, if it was steering fine before you replaced the steering gear.
Definitely get the toe in checked and adjusted, then re-index the steering wheels as stated above.
Definitely get the toe in checked and adjusted, then re-index the steering wheels as stated above.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 24,552
Likes: 74
From: Creedmoor, North Carolina
I would drive it or roll it in a straight line for 50ft then do what Rich said. The 50ft set 1st should keep it to one & done.
John
John
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