Adjust steering gear box?
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Apr 2020
Posts: 144
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Adjust steering gear box?
The power steering gear box the PO put on my 66 F100 has a lot of slop in it. I've redone the rest of the front suspension and had it aligned, but on center the steering is significantly unresponsive, which leads to a lot of overcorrection and it doesn't feel safe above 45mph.
I was thinking I'd check the preload on the steering gearbox. I noted where the screw is, backed off the locking nut, but can only turn the screw 1/8 turn out or 1/4 turn in. Is there something I'm missing here? There should be more adjustment than this right?
I was thinking I'd check the preload on the steering gearbox. I noted where the screw is, backed off the locking nut, but can only turn the screw 1/8 turn out or 1/4 turn in. Is there something I'm missing here? There should be more adjustment than this right?
Super Moderator
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 34,481
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I used to tighten that up in my '65 Mustang. Didn't seem to last.
Then I read a couple "never do that" comments here about having the box lock up on you after such fiddling.
You can get rebuilt or upgraded steering boxes.
Stand by, this is a regular topic and you'll get more answers.
Then I read a couple "never do that" comments here about having the box lock up on you after such fiddling.
You can get rebuilt or upgraded steering boxes.
Stand by, this is a regular topic and you'll get more answers.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 1,946
Likes: 118
Harley...
Do you have the original steering column or replacement? Also, is there a steering coupler with rubber insert? With the steering centered, watch the play in the steering where the column attaches to the gearbox and make sure the "slop" is in the box itself. There are a couple of good tutorials on Youtube showing how to adjust steering gear mesh. You do have to be careful to avoid making the mesh too tight and ruining the internal components.
Do you have the original steering column or replacement? Also, is there a steering coupler with rubber insert? With the steering centered, watch the play in the steering where the column attaches to the gearbox and make sure the "slop" is in the box itself. There are a couple of good tutorials on Youtube showing how to adjust steering gear mesh. You do have to be careful to avoid making the mesh too tight and ruining the internal components.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jun 2018
Posts: 3,551
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Boxes are to be adjusted with the wheels off the ground and to a certain preload. So don't under any circumstances just fiddle with it. Replacement re-man boxes are under $300. Steering is the most important part of driving, don't skimp here.
Logistics Pro
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 4,467
Likes: 960
From: Tri Cities, TN
All the above. Don't touch that screw. If your box is a Ford, "two bolt cover", the total over center preload is only 17 inch pounds and that has to be measured with the drag link disconnected from the pitman arm and the column disconnected from the box. All you are doing when you tighten that screw is pushing the sector shaft, "which has tapered gear teeth", into tighter engagement with the piston. I have rebuild a couple of the Ford boxes and the sector shaft and pistons were heat treated as hard as Chinese arithmetic and barely wear at all even after 100,000 miles. If you are going to fiddle with that box get a chassis manual form the 1970's.
Tuned
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 340
Likes: 21
From: Weaverville NC
Hi Harley7991, I had a "bumping" sound that was in my steering box. My '65 F-100 had served me well for many years. I found out through someone at FTE a co. in N. Dakota that repairs steering boxes. The co's name is...Blue Top Steering. They have a web site, Bluetopsteering.com Ask for Ryan. Their ph #...701-745-3599. Ryan treated me like gold. He did a jam up job. Now I can steer with confidence. No more "bump" sound as I turn. I sent my box out to N. Dakota using USPS. Ryan sent it back UPS I think.
Hope this helps, Best, Pete
One day later...realized I said S. Dakota, when Blue Top is in N. Dakota.Ooops. I have everything else correct. Awe righty then, hope my comment helps, Pete
Hope this helps, Best, Pete
One day later...realized I said S. Dakota, when Blue Top is in N. Dakota.Ooops. I have everything else correct. Awe righty then, hope my comment helps, Pete
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77f2504by4
1973 - 1979 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
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Dec 11, 2006 05:50 PM
