After a terrific ride during last week's Indian summer temperatures (80
degrees!) and cutting through some curvy roads here in Indiana, I'm determined
to
squeeze out the last bit of play in the steering linkage on my '61 TR3A.
Operation "Gonna Steer Like New" is officially under way.
I can use all the help I can get on this one. Currently, there is about 2
inches of play in the steering wheel, and it appears to be a function of a worn
worm in the steering box. Tightening up the adjuster to eliminate the play
results in impossibly tight action at the extreme right and left turn stops. I
used to have about 4 inches of play before installing a spring-loaded adjuster
plate on the steering box. The rest of the steering linkage appears to check
out ok.
Inquiring minds want to know:
1. Is there a source of good play-by-play directions on rebuilding the
steering box to obtain "good as possible" results with the original worm/peg
set
up?
2. If a new worm is installed, should the rocker shaft be replaced, or
just the peg? Both?
3. What's the secret to successfully removing and replacing the worm on a
split column?
4. Any way to determine if the tie rod ends need replacement?
5. Lastly, how does one get things adjusted properly after removing,
cleaning, replacing and reinstalling the linkage and steering box?
If I could pull out of the garage next spring and enjoy responsive and
precise steering, I'd be a happy TR guy. Thanks for any help getting to that
magic
moment.
Bill Stagg
1961 TR3A
|