'40 Worm Questions.

[Enbloc]

I had a worn steering box in my car which I successfully rebuilt with repro parts.

Its now a couple of years later and the steering box is rapidly developing more and more slack in the straight ahead position, which no amount of adjustment or re shimming will eliminate.

My guess is an inferior reproduction worm that has lost its "high spot" and also its case hardening (?) as the slack is increasing at an alarming rate!

My question is, has anyone had premature wear on repro steering parts and is anyone stocking a better quality worm? Yes I would like NOS but a reproduction part is more realistic for me.

 

[Kurt in NJ]

Play can also be caused by wear in the ends of the roller in the sector, adjustment won't fix play there ---but it is easier to fix than the worm

 

[rotorwrench]

Sector shaft bushings wear too but some of the repro parts may be softer that the OEM. The worm gear usually wears out first but by that time the sector bushings generally need replacement too. I'm a firm believer of leaving parts with little or no obvious wear in service but everything wears out eventually.

 

[wga]

Incorrect lube will cause worm gear failure. The gear mesh works on sliding friction, as the gear teeth engage. Incorrect lube will not provide the 'cushion' between the gear teeth. The worm gear is usually made from a softer material
than the worm, to aid in reduction of the friction.