Topic: 68 steering box problem !?!

[mhubert89]

Hi,

I have a p/s steering box for my 68. The steering box have been rebuilt but i still have a problem with ! When i turn the steering , she dosent comeback by itself in center... Is that a ajustement or something like that or the steering box its done ? Thanks

[ruppstang]

That is what you idler arm does. I would check the bushing and see if it needs to be replaced.
Marty

[J_Speegle]

That is what you idler arm does. I would check the bushing and see if it needs to be replaced.

+1  Some reproductions/replacements will not have this feature

[mhubert89]

That is what you idler arm does. I would check the bushing and see if it needs to be replaced.
Marty

So the steering box suppose to be in good working / normal condition !?

[ruppstang]

You said your steering box had been rebuilt so as I said above I would check the idler arm as it centers the steering.

[Anghelrestorations]

Actually it sounds like the steering box was not adjusted properly.  When it is properly adjusted it has a tight spot between the worm gear and the sector shaft when centered.  This is done exactly for the reason of making the steering wheel feel centered when driving down the road and not "wandering". 

[ruppstang]

Actually it sounds like the steering box was not adjusted properly.  When it is properly adjusted it has a tight spot between the worm gear and the sector shaft when centered.  This is done exactly for the reason of making the steering wheel feel centered when driving down the road and not "wandering".

That is true I should not have assumed that just because the steering box has been restored it was done properly.

[carlite65]

it is also my understanding that the box must be disconnected from the linkage to perform the proper adjustment.

[mhubert89]

Where i can know how to ajust the steering box ? Did i need to reopen de case or can do with the screw on the top ?

[carlite65]

have you seen this site yet??

http://www.stangerssite.com/

[Hipo giddyup]

+1 with azscj as a possible cause. If you loosen the nut on top of the steering box and use a screw driver to "tighten" the shaft, you can take some of the "slop" or play out of the steering. But, go too far and when you turn, the steering stays turning!! Ask me how i know    There is definitely an adjustment to this as I think I found this in the Ford shop manual when I rebuilt my last steering box. I also "tweeked " it once I test drove my car and haven't had any issues since. Good luck with finding the culprit mhubert89!

[mhubert89]

have you seen this site yet??

http://www.stangerssite.com/

Yes i just print the ajustment section and will try this !

[Bob Gaines]

Yes i just print the ajustment section and will try this !

Adjusting it is all good and fine but you should know that after close to fifty years the grease inside is the consistency of clay and stops lubricating which cause the bearings to wear . More then likely the proper fix is a rebuild of the box . That is if you are planning on keeping the car long term. Without a rebuild adjustments will become ever more frequent until the ball bearings inside wear down to a point where they start to break apart from fatigue besides doing internal damage to the inside case. 

[mhubert89]

Adjusting it is all good and fine but you should know that after close to fifty years the grease inside is the consistency of clay and stops lubricating which cause the bearings to wear . More then likely the proper fix is a rebuild of the box . That is if you are planning on keeping the car long term. Without a rebuild adjustments will become ever more frequent until the ball bearings inside wear down to a point where they start to break apart from fatigue besides doing internal damage to the inside case.

Bob , my steering box is already rebuilt and was use only for couple of miles..

[carlite65]

who did the rebuild? how do you know it was done properly?