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By Talkwrench - 15 Years Ago
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Anyone have a correct way to adjust a steering box? Its on my 56 and I have power steering . the wheel was very loose, lots of play, I have adjusted the "screw" in the steering box and I had to screw it down quite hard to get to the next stage on the star washer. The play is better in the wheel but it does tend to "kick" and feel sightly notchy too..gets a bit better when warmed up?? have I gone too far?
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By PF Arcand - 15 Years Ago
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If you have a 56 Factory manual, there should be a procedures in there to follow. If the steering feels as you put it,"notchy" or like it has a flat spot, after tightening, you've likely overtightened it. I'll have to defer to others on the other tech details on steering boxes, but one thing to keep in mind is that the sector adjustment should only be done with the wheels straight ahead. If overtightened, best back it off. 55-56 boxes have a tendency especially after all this time, to develop flat spots. Try to avoid forcing turns with the car not moving..
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By oldcarmark - 15 Years Ago
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You have likely overtighted it.I just adjusted mine and its doing the same as yours.I am going to back it off and live with the excess play in the box.Macsantiqueauto has new parts to rebuild.I am waiting to hear back from a company that lists a rebuilt box ready to go.I will let you know when I get a price and availability.You shouldnt have to turn the screw more than a 1/4 turn for the washer to go back on.Try small adjustments before you go big ones and adjust with wheels straight ahead.
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By Talkwrench - 15 Years Ago
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I did it with the wheels straight ahead no probs, and it seemed only a small amount as a 1/4 turn was very hard, in fact I 'm sure I didn't go that far. That star shaped washer didn't make it easy for finer adjustment.. There is a flatspot on lefthand turns just as you turn the wheel .. boat wheel..
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By lowrider - 15 Years Ago
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When we used to repair steering boxes we always set them up so it had a slight drag when you turned it thru center. Center meaning the wheels straight ahead. It was a much easier "feel" when the box was on the bench. Get it too tight and it would wander going down the road. Maybe you could disconnect the linkage at the Pitman arm for a better "feel". My .02
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By oldcarmark - 15 Years Ago
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I just readjusted mine.Turn the screw CC enough to move the star adjuster 2 notches.Seems to have got it.Have a liitle freeplay driving straight and the wheel returns almost to centre when comming out of a turn.I am going to leave it there for now.
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By Talkwrench - 15 Years Ago
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Ohh I couldn't get two notches on the star... one tops! I backed it off within the one postion of the star
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By oldcarmark - 15 Years Ago
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I am sure you realize the "star" lifts off to allow more turns of the screw?Just thought I would mention it just in case.
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By Talkwrench - 15 Years Ago
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Yes indeedy! in fact it has "this side up" stamped on it...
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By aussiebill - 15 Years Ago
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Talkwrench (9/16/2010)
Yes indeedy! in fact it has "this side up" stamped on it... You could do away with the star washer and use normal nut like next model box has.
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By Talkwrench - 15 Years Ago
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Does it have " this side up" stamped on it >??
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By oldcarmark - 15 Years Ago
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If it was from an Ozzie car would it say "this side up" OR "this side down"?
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By slumlord444 - 15 Years Ago
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I need to dig out my shop manual to check, but as I recall you attach a scale to the steering wheel and check the resistance in pounds or mayby ounces and adjust accordingly. Never did it that way but will try to find manual.
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By oldcarmark - 15 Years Ago
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Yes. You are correct about shop manual procedure.However these boxs are now 50+ years old.The proper procedure would work well with new or newer boxs but at this point with old worn parts its "do the best you can".By the way Joblot.com has both gears and a seal and bearing kit for the 2 tooth 55 early 56 boxs and most parts for the later 3 tooth box if anyone is interested in rebuilding theirs.
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