Rebuilding my steering box

[luvmyclassics]

Rebuilding the steering box on my 1951 f1. My worm gear looks to be just fine. However, the sector gear looks like some metal has "flaked off" in a small section. I am assuming that this should be replaced?

When replacing with a new pin does it need to be swaged? Looks to me like that is the only way to hold it in place.

 

[Andy]

It is hard to grind the swedge enough out to get the pin out. I used to weld a washer to the end of the new pin so it could be replaced again. If you weld the pin to the shaft, it is then in there for good.

 

[NealinCA]

I use a 1/2" Carbide 4-flute end mill to cut the swedge off one end of the original pin. The new pin I put a short TIG weld on each end, about 3/8-1/2" across the top. You could then get the new pin out the same way as an original pin.

Note that you will need to grind the thrust washers to fit. You want about .0015 clearance between the roller and washers. I have washers ground in .001 increments so I can fine tune the fit, as each sector seems to vary by a few thousandths.

 

[Mart]

It might be worth exploring an alternative approach - the f1 parts are the same as 37-48 Car boxes. if you can find one of those in good condition, and can use the parts from it, it might be easier/cheaper/quicker than trying to replace the roller you have.

Just putting the idea out there, I don't know what parts you might have around you.

 

[JSeery]

Are you sure the worm gear is ok? Hard to believe that a sector in that condition did not cause at least some damage. It might be fine, but I would be sure before going to the trouble of rebuilding the box.

 

[rich b]

It might be worth exploring an alternative approach - the f1 parts are the same as 37-48 Car boxes. if you can find one of those in good condition, and can use the parts from it, it might be easier/cheaper/quicker than trying to replace the roller you have.

Just putting the idea out there, I don't know what parts you might have around you.

We usually go the other way; use a good car box to fix an F-1 box. I'd hate to scavenge a good F-1 box to fix a common car box.

Duh! Sorry, somehow forgot the OP was working on an F-1 box and read Mart's post backwards.

 

[Mart]

^^ That's what I was saying. At least that was what I thought I was saying.

Mart.

 

[rich b]

^^ That's what I was saying. At least that was what I thought I was saying.

Mart.

Of course, I both misread you post and forgot the OP was working on an F-1 box.

 

[jagnweiner]

Regarding the alternative approach suggested, I have a spare completely rebuilt 41-48 car box. (Purchased it before I realized the shaft was too short for my Mercury, so just rebuilt mine instead) You're only a couple hours away from me, so if you have any interest, contact me by PM and we can compare notes.