The Ford Barn

xelhan · 12-19-2019, 03:21 PM

Hello,

I would like to know what kind of spline is used on the steering shaft marked #25 on the drawing?

I also need the length and size of the square on the sector shaft.

Thanks,
Chris

rotorwrench · 12-19-2019, 06:24 PM

Most Gemmer type steering shafts have a very shallow spline to fit the worm. It's only there to align the shaft properly with the worm and in turn keeps the steering wheel positioned correctly. The worm gear is a press fit on the shaft so special tooling must be used to perform a replacement. This would also require a good quality press. The sector shaft is very close to 1 1/8-inch in diameter so the square end is likely near 1-inch but I don't have one apart to check.

There is an early two tooth worm gear that uses a 9 roller type bearing on each end. Parts are not available for these. They have to be replaced with the later type worm and the 13 roller tapered bearings if they are damaged or excessively worn.

xelhan · 12-20-2019, 01:49 AM

Thank you rotorwrench!

1.125 dia. seems right for the sector shaft and an inch about right for the square

Interesting regarding the input shaft. Do you know where can I find more information about how to do this job correctly?

Chris

David R. · 12-20-2019, 07:17 AM

I recently replaced the worm while rebuilding my AA steering gear due to rough bearing surfaces. It was quite a job and had I to do it again I would purchase the new worm and shaft assembly. I pulled the old worm with a large bearing puller set up. Lots of alternating heat, sweat, and penetrating oil. It is designed as a TIGHT press fit on a shallow tapered spline that partially cuts its way on.
The problem arises when pressing a new worm on as how to do it without bending the hollow shaft.
Luckily I have a friend with a well equipped shop who enjoys tackling these type problems.
We made a press by welding up scrap:
A heavy pipe with a cap welded on. The shaft with nut installed flush goes in here. We next packed the steering shaft tightly in the center of this tube with dry sand. Then brackets (heavy angle and thick base) were welded to the pipe to support an hydraulic jack to push the worm on. We warmed the worm, careful not to use enough heat to damage temper, and it was still quite a job!
Thankfully it went on without bending the shaft an steering gear is on the truck in fine order now.

ryanheacox · 12-20-2019, 07:39 AM

Would a 20 ton press be enough to press the worm on/off?

Jacksonlll · 12-20-2019, 10:22 AM

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

Here is a 4min video showing how we got the worm on.

https://youtu.be/K_Jzy4kTk6M

rotorwrench · 12-20-2019, 10:26 AM

This is a thread from the V8 side but there are others. This illustrates a tool to aid in worm removal and installation but there are other threads. I just couldn't find them on short notice.

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showt...worm+gear+tool

The Les Andrews Model A shop manual give some pointers.

Here is another that's good.
https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showt...=steering+worm

katy · 12-20-2019, 10:33 AM

Do a search on this forum, there's lots of threads w/good info about doing this.

xelhan · 12-21-2019, 01:25 PM

The Youtube video showed a straightforward way to mount the worm

The square is 15/16"

katy · 12-22-2019, 11:29 AM

Post #3 in the thread
https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showt...=Steering+gear
gives an easy way to install the worm.

xelhan · 12-22-2019, 02:17 PM

Probably the best way to do it

12-20-2019, 07:17 AM	#4
David R. Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2016 Location: West Virginia Posts: 430	Re: Steering Gear I recently replaced the worm while rebuilding my AA steering gear due to rough bearing surfaces. It was quite a job and had I to do it again I would purchase the new worm and shaft assembly. I pulled the old worm with a large bearing puller set up. Lots of alternating heat, sweat, and penetrating oil. It is designed as a TIGHT press fit on a shallow tapered spline that partially cuts its way on. The problem arises when pressing a new worm on as how to do it without bending the hollow shaft. Luckily I have a friend with a well equipped shop who enjoys tackling these type problems. We made a press by welding up scrap: A heavy pipe with a cap welded on. The shaft with nut installed flush goes in here. We next packed the steering shaft tightly in the center of this tube with dry sand. Then brackets (heavy angle and thick base) were welded to the pipe to support an hydraulic jack to push the worm on. We warmed the worm, careful not to use enough heat to damage temper, and it was still quite a job! Thankfully it went on without bending the shaft an steering gear is on the truck in fine order now.

12-20-2019, 07:39 AM	#5
ryanheacox Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Northwest CT Posts: 1,092	Re: Steering Gear Would a 20 ton press be enough to press the worm on/off?

12-20-2019, 10:22 AM	#6
Jacksonlll Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Michigan-- Member of Oakleaf of MARC Posts: 1,686	Re: Steering Gear Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) Here is a 4min video showing how we got the worm on. https://youtu.be/K_Jzy4kTk6M

12-20-2019, 10:26 AM	#7
rotorwrench Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: San Antonio, Texas Posts: 16,436	Re: Steering Gear This is a thread from the V8 side but there are others. This illustrates a tool to aid in worm removal and installation but there are other threads. I just couldn't find them on short notice. https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showt...worm+gear+tool The Les Andrews Model A shop manual give some pointers. Here is another that's good. https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showt...=steering+worm Last edited by rotorwrench; 12-20-2019 at 10:34 AM.

12-20-2019, 10:33 AM	#8
katy Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: Red Deer, Alberta Posts: 5,046	Re: Steering Gear Do a search on this forum, there's lots of threads w/good info about doing this. __________________ If you don't hear a rumor by 10 AM, start one!. Got my education out behind the barn!

12-19-2019, 06:24 PM	#2
rotorwrench Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: San Antonio, Texas Posts: 16,436	Re: Steering Gear Most Gemmer type steering shafts have a very shallow spline to fit the worm. It's only there to align the shaft properly with the worm and in turn keeps the steering wheel positioned correctly. The worm gear is a press fit on the shaft so special tooling must be used to perform a replacement. This would also require a good quality press. The sector shaft is very close to 1 1/8-inch in diameter so the square end is likely near 1-inch but I don't have one apart to check. There is an early two tooth worm gear that uses a 9 roller type bearing on each end. Parts are not available for these. They have to be replaced with the later type worm and the 13 roller tapered bearings if they are damaged or excessively worn.

12-20-2019, 01:49 AM	#3
xelhan Member Join Date: Aug 2016 Location: Avesta, Sweden Posts: 69	Re: Steering Gear Thank you rotorwrench! 1.125 dia. seems right for the sector shaft and an inch about right for the square Interesting regarding the input shaft. Do you know where can I find more information about how to do this job correctly? Chris

12-21-2019, 01:25 PM	#9
xelhan Member Join Date: Aug 2016 Location: Avesta, Sweden Posts: 69	Re: Steering Gear The Youtube video showed a straightforward way to mount the worm The square is 15/16"

12-22-2019, 11:29 AM	#10
katy Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: Red Deer, Alberta Posts: 5,046	Re: Steering Gear Post #3 in the thread https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showt...=Steering+gear gives an easy way to install the worm. __________________ If you don't hear a rumor by 10 AM, start one!. Got my education out behind the barn!

12-22-2019, 02:17 PM	#11
xelhan Member Join Date: Aug 2016 Location: Avesta, Sweden Posts: 69	Re: Steering Gear Probably the best way to do it