steering box end float

[pace]

I have replaced the bearings in my steering box on my TR3B. The manual states that you should not have any end float but a little preload is ok. How do you check for end float?

 

[TR3driver]

What I did was arrange a dial indicator so it rode on the end of the steering shaft, then tried to turn the Pitman arm to force the shaft each way. Did it first with enough shims to get just a bit of end float, which measured .004", then took out a .004" shim. ISTR shims are available in .004" and .010", plus the gasket is about .001", so you can hit any number you want by removing or adding. Should have at least one gasket, but 2 is OK for that extra .001".

As usual, Enco has a dial indicator & magnetic base on sale for under $20.

PS, don't forget to back off the peg while adjusting the end float. Otherwise it may give you a false reading.

 

[sp53]

It is basically the same as setting a front wheel bearing with the two races and bearings, but you use shims instead of a big nut and a cotter key. Make sure the rear race is back in the box tight or it will affect the float when it settles down. What I usually do is leave the pitman arm, peg and shaft out of the box and dry fit some shims then turn the steering wheel end of the shaft by hand until I feel a little drag by inserting shims accordingly. Then when I am happy with that I use Indian head gasket sealer on both sides of the shims and tighten them down not too tight, but at a finish torque. I use Indian head gasket sealer on the bolts also because they go right into the box and fluid could leak past. I put the peg and shaft in after the sealer dries. Anyways it is pretty easy just use common sense. I must admit that once I tighten up the four bolts at the end so much that I warped the end plate and had one heck of a time figuring out why it was leaking until I took off the end plate and just looked at it close. I was very surprised that I could warp the steel, but it is basically a flat piece of steel with five holes drilled in it, so look at the end plate also before you start to assemble because you need both surfaces flat. Anyways good luck.

Sp53

 

[pace]

Thanks sp53. Great to have a place you can go for help.

Mike