F1 steering box adjustment

[PeteVS]

I redid my F1 steering box a few years ago and I've recently gotten the vehicle out on the road. The steering is sloppy. What do I have to do to tighten it up? I got the "cover" nut off, the multi position locking washer off and the small bolt out. Next step is to get in there with a light and mirror. What will I do next?? Thanks!!

[PeteVS]

Took care of it. I got under, pulled off the plugged nut, saw the adjusting screw. Srewed it in as far as it would go without cranking on it, checked the locking washer, tightened it a bit more. feels pretty good. Ill get it out on the road in a couple of days and see how much better it is driving. (This is my avatar car.)

[big deuce]

Did you set the preload on the worm gear bearings first? There are special thicknesses gaskets to use.

[terry]

If part of your pbm was the steering wheel moving several inches or more before it got tight and moved the wheels, then removing one of those gaskets was all I had to do to stop the free movement. These gaskets are at the end of the box that faces to front. terry

[PeteVS]

I did the set up a few years ago. Something like the worm bearing preload, I'm positive I got that right. The sector engagement I'm pretty sure was a judgement call and I figure I just judged on the too loose side. Thanks!

[cas3]

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Worm gear preload is the first step when rebuilding an old ford steering box. If done proper, that setting will not change for many thousands of miles. Next step is set the depth of tooth contact between the worm gear and the sector shaft. That setting can wear over many thousands of miles, thats the screw you found.

I'm guilty in this area, I seem to set them up on the loose side, feels good on the bench, then once in the car with real world happenings, its got some play at the steering wheel.

I don't care, but if you do want to take that play out, keep in mind the worm gear is not a straight cut gear, its high in the middle. Reason is, the middle is going down the road straight, probably 98% of the time, so that area is machined bigger to allow for wear.

If you tighten up that adjusting screw, it must be done at dead center of travel, then crank the steering lock to lock and see if it binds up at the ends. if so, the worm is worn beyond adjustment. if the travel is smooth, live with the play at the wheel if its not outrageous

[big deuce]

Excellent advice right there...