Steering Box End Play

[Walter74]

Hi guys,

I am overhauling my steering box completely, but ran into a problem. I have no clue how to determine the correct thickness of the shims for the end cover. I see in the video of AH Spares that they use a special measuring tool, but can it also be done without any special tools?
Thanks upfront for your input!

Walter

 

[johnea]

From the manual: Add or remove shims as nesserary to obtain the correct adjustment. The steering wheel should turn freely when held at the rim with thumb and forefinger, but should have no end play.

 

[gonzo]

You'll also have better luck centering the rear bearing into its race by removing the felt collar / bush around the steering rod. Care should be taken when centering the rear bearing since a misalignment will crush and ruin the expensive bearing cage while tightening the end-cover bolts. Loosely fit the end-cover and center the bearings. Keep checking for smooth movement as the bolts are tighten.

Per Denis Welch Motorsports: On re-installing the steering gear back into the car, tighten the three bolts holding the bracket to chassis to 25ft/lbs, this might be more important for the clamp part of the bracket. Overtightening the clamp could bind-up the rocker shaft where it exists the steering gear. Fill with your favorite high viscosity steering gear lube. Millers or Penrite or the "corn-head" one.