The Ford Barn

Mart · 10-07-2024, 05:52 PM

Put the box in a vise and push the pitman arm back and forth. If you can reverse drive the box from the pitman arm end it indicates that things are at least ok.
If you feel the free play in the pitman arm at full lock there should be a lot which will diminish to zero at the straight ahead position and increase again as it gets to the other lock.
If everything seems smooth when operated as above it is a good indicator. Before use, though I would remove the top plate and visually inspect the worm, looking for broken surfaces on the contact areas between the worm and roller. Check the roller too.

If all the surfaces are good, bolt it back together, adjust it and fit it.

Mart.

10-07-2024, 05:52 PM	#8
Mart Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Solihull, England. Posts: 9,083	Re: Bench testing a steering box (40 Ford) Put the box in a vise and push the pitman arm back and forth. If you can reverse drive the box from the pitman arm end it indicates that things are at least ok. If you feel the free play in the pitman arm at full lock there should be a lot which will diminish to zero at the straight ahead position and increase again as it gets to the other lock. If everything seems smooth when operated as above it is a good indicator. Before use, though I would remove the top plate and visually inspect the worm, looking for broken surfaces on the contact areas between the worm and roller. Check the roller too. If all the surfaces are good, bolt it back together, adjust it and fit it. Mart.