1959 steering box adjustment-help

[Stephen R.]

59 Vette. I was told that the worm and sector shaft adjustments are "easy and straight forward" however before I tackle this job alone. I'm looking for anyone in the Philadelphia/ Delaware Valley area who knows how to do the adjustments and willing to come to my place for an hour or so and help me out. Thanks

[Tom P.]

Re: 1959 steering box adjustment-help

Have you purchased an ST12, Corvette Servicing Guide (for 53-62 models)? Good instructions are in there.
If you're going to own a 53-62 Vette, that should be the first item in your library.

[Michael L.]

Re: 1959 steering box adjustment-help

Also a good article in Corvette Enthusiast by John H about a whole rebuild, adjustments as well. That and the ST-12 were enough info for me to rebuild my steering at home...

[Stephen R.]

Re: 1959 steering box adjustment-help

Thanks, I have the books, what I need is the experience. Really, truly don't want to over tighten anything and make a bad situation worse.

[Michael L.]

Re: 1959 steering box adjustment-help

Are there any other problems with the box other than being loose? Any binding, clunking or tightness?

[Stephen R.]

Re: 1959 steering box adjustment-help

Nothing is wrong with the box. I mistakenly undid the worm adjustment (only) and now I need to readjust it. The car and the steering haven't been moved since I did this.
I've been told to jack up the front to get the wheels off the ground and then follow the ST 12. This isn't a problem. I'm just concerned about re-tightening the sector shaft and the worm gear. Don't want to over tighten anything and crush a bearing some where, or bend the roller wheel. If there were a torque spec then it would be easy, but every one I've talked with, state that they adjust it by "feel". Since I've never done this before, I have no "feel" frame of reference.

Also, I discussed the ST 12 procedure with some knowledgeable people. And they stated just follow that procedure. I asked if I should remove the pitman arm or drag link, I was told you don't have to do that, just jack the car up, I asked about using the spring scale and was told you don't have to do that, just go by feel, I asked about the poundage pull on the wheel, I was told just don't overtighten. So basically follow the procedure but don't follow the procedure. I don't know what to follow or what to skip, that's where the experience comes in.

This has been very frustrating. It apparently is a 10 minute job for someone who has done it before. It can be a very expensive mistake for a novice who screws up. I was willing to pay someone to do the adjustment, however no one wants to make a house call.

[Roy B.]

Re: 1959 steering box adjustment-help

Just got back from NCRS meet in San Joe and Joe put on a great talk about how to adjust it. Like I mentioned before disconnect the Drag link , when the front wheels are straight ahead, then turn the SCREW in tell you get a little DRAG at center and no DRAG while turning the steering wheel full left or right , remember you feel no DRAG as you turn the wheel full left or right and ONLY when it's straight ahead. When you get that FEELING then lock the nut.
YOU CAN DO IT YOUR SELF.

[Michael L.]

Re: 1959 steering box adjustment-help

Stephen, the bearings and gears in there are hardened steel. If you are that worried ( I understand your concerns, I was not comfortable rebuilding mine until I read John's article) I'd suggest you jack up the car, tighten up the adjustment until you are able to get your play reduced enough to steer and drive it to a shop that can readjust.

BUT, I think you can do this at home with no big worries. Do it incrementally until you reduce the play. Do a few turns, tighten the nut and check the play. If you go the scale route, you'll have to remove the pittman arm, make sure you have the correct puller to do that. Adjust, check, adjust some more. Is there a shop near by?

[Tom P.]

Re: 1959 steering box adjustment-help

GOOD GRIEF,
Somebody go over to this guy's house and help him out. Unfortunately, it's too far away for me!

[Roy B.]

Re: 1959 steering box adjustment-help

I have tried to tell how as simply as I can and if he dont even try I GIVE UP

[Stephen R.]

Re: 1959 steering box adjustment-help

To:

Michael Lander I have sent you a PM.

And Finally:


Gentleman:

I wish to thank all who have responded. The subject of this post was to find someone knowledgeable in my area to assist me in doing the adjustment at my house. I did not and do not want to rehash the ST 12 procedures. Nor do I wish to be criticized for taking my time and trying to do this correctly with a minimum of costs and broken parts.

I have gotten great advice as to the actual procedures from others on this forum in another thread. If necessary, I'm not adverse to doing this myself, but again I want to minimize the damage. There is a mechanic in my area who is willing to help me, but is not familiar with these old style steering boxes. If need be, he will be my last resort.
Again, thanks to all who have responded.

[Mark P.]

Re: 1959 steering box adjustment-help

We went through this at the NCRS nationals this week. Joe Calcagno lead the C1 suspension class. The lash adjustment seemed straightforward and we could feel the resistance on his cut-out working model made from C1 parts.

His articles are here and cover the steering box rebuild:

http://rarecorvettes.com/RARE/HowTo.html

[Michael L.]

Re: 1959 steering box adjustment-help

Stephen PM sent.

[Stephen R.]

Re: 1959 steering box adjustment-help

Got a very good walk through education from Joe Calgano. Great guy to deal with. A very clear and precise description of the procedure. Thanks Joe.