Can this worm gear/sector shaft be saved?

[John Mc]

Guys, here you can see some gauling on the sector shaft and worm gear. Must these be replaced? Can a good machine shop smooth these out? Thanks for all the input.

[ken ct]

Dosen't look good to me? ken ct.

[Russ/40]

Replace them both. To gaul like that, there is plenty of wear to warrent it. You will be kicking your self later if you don't.

[richard crow]

you can get a used box with good gears cheap

[Dale Fairfax]

Replacement is your only out. That's one of the faults of Gemmer steering gears.

[John Mc]

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I checked with Early Ford V-8 of Ohio where I buy all my V-8 stuff and they want about $200 for a new worm and a new roller gear with the pins for the sector shaft. That doesn't sound too bad to me. Any other thoughts? I want to do this only the right way.

[JM 35 Sedan]

Originally Posted by John Mc

I checked with Early Ford V-8 of Ohio where I buy all my V-8 stuff and they want about $200 for a new worm and a new roller gear with the pins for the sector shaft. That doesn't sound too bad to me. Any other thoughts? I want to do this only the right way.

John, I would not recommend using those parts in your picture. I would either try to buy some good used or go for the new. There was a recent thread here about replacing the roller sector gear. I have pressed quite a few worm gears off and on these shafts. It is a bit tricky pressing some back on but I could walk you through how I did it if you want to know.

[John Mc]

I certainly would love to know from those that have gone before me. I have a 12 Ton press. My email is [email protected]. Thanks in advance.

[BILLF/TRF]

Mac's has a '37-'48 worm gear for $60. They also sell the roller & pin kit for the same years for $59.75. I asked the tech about the source of these parts and he mentioned Argentina. Although I have heard some bad comments about Argentina parts, he claims to have not received any complaints about defects in these parts with over 100 of each sold last year! I am also looking into re-doing my steering box due to excessive and unresolved steering wheel play. One of the issues seems to be removing the old worm and pressing on the new one on a hollow steering shaft. I see that Bratton's offers steering worm replacement on Model A's for $67. Would they do a V8 worm and shaft? Worth asking! Let us know what you find out!

[NealinCA]

Originally Posted by JM 35 Sedan

I have pressed quite a few worm gears off and on these shafts. It is a bit tricky pressing some back on but I could walk you through how I did it if you want to know.

I am getting ready to replace a worm, so any input would be appreciated. I got the old one off...just need to press the new one on. Some have mentioned heat? How'd you do it?

Thanks,

Neal

[Brian]

Neal, Simply heat the replacement worm in oil, being careful not to start a fire! When the oil is smoking it means its hot enough, and the worm will simply drop on to the shaft. Just pay attention to the orientation; very easy to do. Hold the worm in place until it has shrunk onto the shaft. I normally just hold the shaft vertically with the worm resting on a support. Brian

[NealinCA]

Brian - Thanks for the reply...I will try the oil/heat method and see how it works out.

Neal

[John Mc]

I've got a new worm and roller from Mac's. Should be here for the weekend. Thanks for all the input.

[JM 35 Sedan]

John & Neal, send me a PM if you would like some details on how I have pressed these worm gears back on the steering shafts. I also use heat and chilling to reduce the press fit but do not use the hot oil method as Brian mentions.