steering box adjustment
- Thread starter 1936coupe
- Start date
flatheadfan
Well-known member
1936 coupe-
The steering looks like a '37-'40 box. A quick adjustment to reduce the wheel play is get the front end off the ground, center the steering wheel (mid-range), remove the cap nut on the gear box. Lift up the star washer under the nut then use a screwdriver and turn the stud under the cap to the right until it stops. Then back off the stud 1/8 of a turn then try the wheel for play and smoothness of operation (no binding). If you still have 4-5 inches of play at the mid-range you may not have a steering gear problem. Inspect your tie rods and king pins for excessive wear. If everything is good try removing a couple of shims on the bottom of the gear box to reduce end play. If you are still experiencing too much wheel motion you probably will need to remove the entire gear assembly and give everything a complete look-over which is more complicated than space allows here. I believe VanPelt (and others), have extensive write-ups relating to steering gear overhaul.
Tom
The steering looks like a '37-'40 box. A quick adjustment to reduce the wheel play is get the front end off the ground, center the steering wheel (mid-range), remove the cap nut on the gear box. Lift up the star washer under the nut then use a screwdriver and turn the stud under the cap to the right until it stops. Then back off the stud 1/8 of a turn then try the wheel for play and smoothness of operation (no binding). If you still have 4-5 inches of play at the mid-range you may not have a steering gear problem. Inspect your tie rods and king pins for excessive wear. If everything is good try removing a couple of shims on the bottom of the gear box to reduce end play. If you are still experiencing too much wheel motion you probably will need to remove the entire gear assembly and give everything a complete look-over which is more complicated than space allows here. I believe VanPelt (and others), have extensive write-ups relating to steering gear overhaul.
Tom
Ross in East Texas
Senior Member
I usually turn the adjusting screw as far as I can and then back it off just enough to get the star locking washer on. A quick look under the car while someone moves the steering wheel from side to side should pinpoint any source of excess movement in the components. Any movement in one component that does not transfer to the next one is trouble.
Ross in East Texas
Senior Member
I see the problem! You have the steering box on the wrong side of the engine. Starter work must be a bear on RHD's
Looks like the steering gear would have to be moved to get the starter out, or pull the engine!