1940 Ford coupe steering box

J

JamesK44

New member
My 40 has slack in the steering. I am not sure how to adjust the steering box. My ‘36 was pretty simple to adjust, loosen lock nut turn screw. However the ‘40 has two nuts. One has a star design looking washer under it. The other nothing. I have a picture of it but the forum asks for the URL link to post it and I’m not sure how to do that. Everything is new on front end, bushings, tie rod ends, king pins, drag link etc. so I know none of that is not the problem. The tires are 5 years old and only have less than 200 miles on them. I will be replacing them although they are low miles. Driving is difficult due to the walking side to side. I am recovering from three major heart surgeries and probably sound like I am rambling on.
But the bottom line is can anyone point me in the right direction on how to adjust this particular steering box. Also, if someone can advise me on how to post a picture I will certainly do that.
Thank y’all in advance. Happy New Year and may God have Mercy on America 🇺🇸
 
The "nut" with the star washer under it is a cap. Remove it and the washer as the washer serves as a place holder for the adjustment screw. Tighten the adjustment screw with a straight blade screw driver. Reassemble the washer and nut accordingly. You will find that you will then need to adjust your drag link to center your steering wheel after you have taken the "slop" out of the steering box.
 
All of the Gemmer 2 type roller sector gear boxes pretty much adjust the same way. Front tires have to be off the ground and centered. The sector shaft is adjusted toward the worm to take up wear. How well it works depends on worm wear for the most part. If you get the slop out then you have to make sure it still turns smoothly. If it is rachety or rough when turned through centered location then the worm is likely worn out with spalling or corrosion pitting. Sector rollers are pretty tough but they do wear out either the roller bearing or the gear eventually. The worm bearings should have no shake, in out play, or roughness. The tie rod must be adjusted if the steering wheel is off center. The tie rod and drag link bearings must also be in good condition. The steering arm balls like to wear out as well. Later cars have an idler arm that wears out too.

The Gemmer 2 boxes are only tight in the centered location so don't freak out about the play off center either way. The box is designed to allow for disemetry in turns so play is normal off center. The farther off center the more play it will have.
 
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