Bench testing a steering box (40 Ford)

Zax40

Zax40

Well-known member
Is it possible to bench test a 40 Ford steering box to see if it is in need of a rebuild? If so could someone share the process please?

I got a complete 40 column from a friend and want to swap it in to replace the one in my 40 that is very worn out. Visually it looks to be in good shape and even has a column drop with working key.
 
See if it spins smoothly. Then have a friend grab the pitman arm while you grab the wheel to check for looseness. Other than that I don’t know what you could check without some disassembly.
 
Clamp it in a vice and tie a piece of rope around a cinder block then through the steering arm and turn the steering wheel!!!
 
Last edited:
You might want to look up the video that Mart did on rebuilding the steering box. This video will tell you what you need to know.

Heard
 
Put the box in a vise and push the pitman arm back and forth. If you can reverse drive the box from the pitman arm end it indicates that things are at least ok.
If you feel the free play in the pitman arm at full lock there should be a lot which will diminish to zero at the straight ahead position and increase again as it gets to the other lock.
If everything seems smooth when operated as above it is a good indicator. Before use, though I would remove the top plate and visually inspect the worm, looking for broken surfaces on the contact areas between the worm and roller. Check the roller too.

If all the surfaces are good, bolt it back together, adjust it and fit it.

Mart.
 
Zax40: Looks and sounds good. However, if you perform the cinder block test: "Clamp it in a vice and tie a piece of rope around a cinder block then through the steering arm and turn the steering wheel!!!" as suggested by rockfla does it still perform as well?
 
19Fordy said:
Zax40: Looks and sounds good. However, if you perform the cinder block test: "Clamp it in a vice and tie a piece of rope around a cinder block then through the steering arm and turn the steering wheel!!!" as suggested by rockfla does it still perform as well?
Click to expand...

Well, it doesn't have a steering wheel attached currently. But I'm sure I could rig up a test where the Pittman arm has some resistance.

I plan to also do the visual inspection Mart recommended.

Today I spent my shop time after work degreasing the box. It was pretty grungy. Tomorrow or Thursday I should be able to do some more investigation.
 
Heard said:
You might want to look up the video that Mart did on rebuilding the steering box. This video will tell you what you need to know.

Heard
Click to expand...

I searched through Mart's youtube channel and couldn't find a video on rebuilding a steering box.
 
Zax40 said:
I searched through Mart's youtube channel and couldn't find a video on rebuilding a steering box.
Click to expand...

Hey! So did I! I couldn't find it either. I thought it might be part of the 32 build, but couldn't find it. If I find it I will post a link.

Mart.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top