The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Driveline 59 Apache - tight steering only when wheels centered

I'm installing tapered roller bearings on my 1959 apache 1/2 ton front end and since the truck is on stands, I noticed that the steering is stiff/tight when I start to steer to the left or right of center. Once I turn the wheel a few degrees past the left or right of center, the steering is smooth like it should be.

Before I dig into pulling all the steering apart, I'm wondering if anyone has any idea of where I should first look into this issue.

All lubrication points have grease.

Thanks in advance.

Steering box gears are cam ground. If the lash adjuster is tightened to tight the box will be tight going through center(straight ahead position).
On the side of the box loosen the 5/8" nut and back out the bolt (with a screw driver slot) a little at a time until you only feel a slight drag turning the steering wheel through the center position.

Be sure to check lube in steering box too. That John Deere 'cornhead' grease works well in those steering boxes.
delky dave in WYO

Thank you for the specific instructions. I've been suspecting the steering box, but have never adjusted it. I'll let you know how it turns out. Thanks!

Adjust the sector preload (the nut/slotted screw adjustment) to get a 10 inch lb. rise in turning torque at the steering wheel nut with the Pitman arm disconnected. Start about 1/2 turn away from center, turn the steering wheel with a torque wrench and adjust the preload until you see a rise in turning effort as you turn across center. The turning effort should drop to the previous amount after the center point is passed. If there's a noticeable drop in turning effort in the exact center, the worm gear is worn out.
Jerry

The sector is not adjusted first. It is loosened, then worm is adjusted...If you have a maintenance manual, refer to that. Someone may link it to you here. There are two different adjustments to be made using a fisherman's scale (or equiv) on the steering wheel rim to test. 10 in lbs at the nut can be used. The 1-1.5 in lbs at the rim given in the manual is the torque required to keep the wheel turning, not more, not less. This is done with arm disconnected, free wheeling gear box. If you are testing with all hooked up, you may be feeling the system breaking loose from rest. Overcoming a bunch of friction.

I've adjusted the steering box lash adjuster with the whole steering system hooked up and the steering is now smooth as can be.

Thanks everyone for the help!