Steering Box
 

Pulled the steering box out of my "48 car for inspection and after cleaning the goo off all parts began evaluating each part. Couldn't find any corrosion or wear in any of the parts of this 84,000 mile box. Play in the pitman arm was 0 when centered and a 1/16 full turn position. Is a rebuilt box any better? Plan to replace the oil seal and top gasket only.

Re: Steering Box
 

The only place that will have no play is in the centered position. The play is allowed off center so that one front wheel spindle can get more degrees of turn than the other side during turns. This is normal. The car wouldn't steer correctly if this play were not there. When you adjust the box it must be in the centered position only.

Roughness due to a worn worm gear is the most common cause of steering problems with the old Gemmer II steering box designs. This roughness is usually on or near the centered position and will eventually get so bad that it can no longer be adjusted out. Generally you will have noticeable roughness during rotation when it gets this bad.

Re: Steering Box
 

DO WHAT? One spindle turning more degrees than the other in a turn used to be accomplished by the geometry designed-into the spindles relative-to the relationship of the tie rod holes in each spindle, to the centers of the king pin holes. WHEN did that change? I still remember when that was called "the Ackerman principle". DD

Re: Steering Box
 

Thanks for that DD. Learn sumpin' new every day.

Re: Steering Box
 

Granted, I should have been more clear.

The Ackerman design gets the wheels in the alignment for a turn and the "play" allows for just enough more movement so road shock won't jerk the steering wheel out of your hand. If the worm was tight with the sector in the full traverse of the gear, there would be a high sensitivity to road shock. There would also be more tire wear. All of the old Gemmer boxes have this designed in. That's why they have to be centered to adjust.