Steering wheel play

F

Ford coupe

Senior Member
My 55 has about 3 inches of play oin steering wheel and I wonder if I can take this or some of it out with the set screw on top of steering box or must I get into the shims and pull as in the manual or??? Thanks in advance
 
3" is pretty major play and your box likely needs a rebuild if the rest of the steering is tight. Before you fiddle with the box you should eliminate any excessive looseness in the linkage. The ball stud inside the tie rod where the Pitman arm connects is a good place to start since they are usually neglected. The adjustment screw on the box should only be adjusted just enough to take up slack between the worm and sector. If you get it too tight the steering will bind in corners, not good. Remove the filler plug on the box and check with a small, bright light to see if there's any oil in it. If not, straight STP or Motor Honey will do in a pinch.
 
Last edited:
Good advice ^^^.. 'check all the other steering linkage parts first'.

Your '55 probably has a '2 tooth, worm & sector' steering box, similar to this one.
They are prone to excess wear.
.
 

Attachments

  • IMG_20160520_195306365c.jpg
    IMG_20160520_195306365c.jpg
    72.1 KB · Views: 23
Last edited:
with that much play, I would look at tie rod ends and the idler arm first, before doing anything with the steering box. the center link may also be worn.
 
Ditto what Alaska Jim said. Do not attempt to remove shims between back of gearbox and hub for the purpose of decreasing play. That will not work. The purpose of the shims is to create the wormgear bearing pre-load. It has nothing to do with play in the steering.
 
Good advice to look closely for play at the drag link. It can be adjusted, but new kits are available and relatively inexpensive.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top