just had my gearbox re-built by a suppose to be a reputable area rebuilder for my 63. seems i have as much as an inch of free play , when the steering wheel is in 12 oclock position. should the adjustment screw be run down? what is the correct procedure? short of removing and taking it back.... this by the way, after the complete front suspension was rebuilt and torqued properly.
-
-
Re: C-2 steering gear box adjustment
The proper way to adjust the steering gear is off the car on the bench. At assembly there is a specific wormshaft bearing drag torque specification, and then a total drag torque specification must be achieved with the lash adjuster. Review the overhaul and adjustment procedures in your 1963 Corvette Shop Manual or a later Chassis Overhaul Manual. Total drag torque can also be checked on the car, but ONLY if the steering shaft and pitman arm are removed.
Tightening the lash adjuster without verifying wormshaft bearing drag torque, and then adjusting the lash adjuster to achieve the correct total drag torque will likely result in gear galling and an expensive overhaul that will require a new ball nut and sector.
About a year ago there was a detailed article in The Corvette Restorer on steering gear overhaul, which augmented the detailed overhaul procedure in the 1963 Corvette Shop manual and later Chassis Overhaul Manuals.
A freshly overhauled steering gear should feel slightly "notchy" when you turn the input shaft by hand at the center of travel.
Amateur restorers can overhaul their own steering gear. It is not difficult, but requires strict attention to the proper overhaul procedure and details. The only "special tool" required is a small scale beam type torque wrench - preferably one with a 25 in-lb maximum reading.
Setting the steering gear worm bearing preload and total preload to the proper specification is absolutely critical to achieving a satisfactory result including longevity.
You should check the rest of the steering system for play including the flexible coupling, shaft splines, and all the joints in the linkage.
If they appear okay, remove the pitman arm and check total preload with a spring scale on the steering wheel as outlined in the shop manual or remove the shaft and check total steering gear drag torque. If it is out of spec you should remove the gear and return to the vendor. Discuss the procedure they used and determine why the total preload is out of spec.
Duke
Comment