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Old 10-18-2017, 04:07 PM   #1
old31
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Default 31 two sector gear wear is it normal

Is this normal wear on the gear. If no, can you tell what was not adjusted correctly?
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File Type: jpg steering1.jpg (53.6 KB, 189 views)
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Old 10-18-2017, 07:29 PM   #2
glenn in camino
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Default Re: 31 two sector gear wear is it normal

All mechanical parts wear, but that looks excessive. You need a new sector gear.
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Old 10-18-2017, 10:34 PM   #3
old31
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Default Re: 31 two sector gear wear is it normal

Glenn, are you saying that because of the ware where the arrows are, or do you see something else?
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Old 10-18-2017, 11:30 PM   #4
J Franklin
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Default Re: 31 two sector gear wear is it normal

Time to replace.
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Old 10-19-2017, 12:01 AM   #5
Marshall V. Daut
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Default Re: 31 two sector gear wear is it normal

Because of those wear divots in the teeth, you will never be able to adjust out the slop between the sector gear and the worm gear. Usually I see wear like this in steering boxes that had chassis grease in them instead of a thick gooey lube, such as 600w, STP or a dedicated steering lube like Penrite. Your gear appears to have some kind of gooey lube on it, but what was inside the steering box? If you find chassis grease, there's your smoking gun and why the teeth are so badly grooved.
Because the sector teeth are so drastically worn, you can bet that their partner, the worm gear, is also worn. It's difficult to gauge a worn worm gear because there are usually no obvious signs of wear. Do the job right and only once; replace both gears. And because both gears will be installed, you'll need to perform that mysterious 4th adjustment explained in the service bulletins. It can only be performed with the steering column out of the car, which is why it is seldom done. Initialize the 4th adjustment procedure by orienting the rivet's slot in a straight up and down position. Adjust from there.
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Old 10-19-2017, 09:29 AM   #6
Arlyn Bieber
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Default Re: 31 two sector gear wear is it normal

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Well stated Marshall, I might add, now is the time to machine the sector housing for a grease seal, then replace all bearings and races. I have also started adding RTV along with the round cork gasket between the sector housing and main body. This means you must make the adjustments before the RTV hardens. The RTV really helps reduce oil leakage.
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Old 10-19-2017, 05:58 PM   #7
old31
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Default Re: 31 two sector gear wear is it normal

Thanks guys. Can you tell anything by looking at these photos?
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File Type: jpg worm1.jpg (57.6 KB, 63 views)
File Type: jpg worm2.jpg (48.9 KB, 60 views)
File Type: jpg worm3.jpg (44.2 KB, 54 views)
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Old 10-19-2017, 08:06 PM   #8
J Franklin
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Default Re: 31 two sector gear wear is it normal

Worn out!
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Old 10-20-2017, 07:55 AM   #9
Marshall V. Daut
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Default Re: 31 two sector gear wear is it normal

Like almost anything else in life, taking the cheap way out usually doesn't work. There's always a gremlin left behind that will sabotage your rebuild. Spend the money now and replace the worm gear. You will never be happy with the non-adjustable slop if you only replace the sector. What will you have gained? A little LESS slop? Slop is slop and you do not want it left behind in your steering box rebuild.
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Old 10-20-2017, 01:08 PM   #10
old31
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Default Re: 31 two sector gear wear is it normal

Thanks guys for the talk. Both pieces will be replaced.

Signed slopless.
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Old 10-20-2017, 01:39 PM   #11
Bill in NJ
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Default Re: 31 two sector gear wear is it normal

I would also check the bearings and races etc.
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Old 10-21-2017, 07:18 AM   #12
old31
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Default Re: 31 two sector gear wear is it normal

Yes, I have also ordered new bearings.
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