Golden Jubilee
Posts: 1289
Joined: Sun Dec 02, 2012 7:54 am
Location: Richland, WA
Re: steering box
suprjohn wrote:
I have read that to adjust a manual box with a lot of miles, it's better to adjust at the end of the steering travel. The theory is that the knobs on the steering shaft ride in the center of the worm gear most of the time because straight is how the vehicle moves most of the time. If the box is adjusted so it's tight to the worn spot, when the wheel is turned to the far end of its travel where wear is less, it can bind up REALLY tight, and prevent the operator from being able to steer.
John
The worm gear may have more wear in the middle, but the grooves are cut a LOT wider on the ends. This is so the steering can be adjusted tighter in the middle without binding up on the ends. According to the service manual:
"Do not adjust in the end positions. Play in end position is not objectionable. Tighten side cover adjusting screw until a very light drag is felt through the mid position high range when turning the wheel slowly from extreme to extreme position. Steering gear must not bind in any position. Only a very slight drag should be felt. A closer adjustment will not correct steering looseness caused by wear in other steering gear members."
How is the power steering conversion going John? Do you have it all figgered? What kind of setup is it?