The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Driveline Worm bearing locknut.

Am trying to tighten up my steering as per the Tech Tip entitled "Saginaw Steering Sector Adjustment".
For the life of me I can't get the Worm Gear Locknut to loosen up. It just won't budge!!
Is there a special tool or a trick needed to get it to loosen up?
I've tried everything in my toolbox except oxy-acetylene.....
Needs adjustment bad as there is no drag at all on the steering wheel when the worm bearings are loosened up.
Truck wanders a lot when on the road.
The truck is a 55 series II long wheelbase.
Many Thanks

I'd say the oxy-acetylene might be the next choice, but considering. Try some penetrating oil. Gibbs, Kroil, PB blaster, there is even a recipe to make you own here on the board. Let it sit overnight, use a 6 point socket and a cheater bar with restraint, the object is to put as much pressure on the nut with the least effort. If that doesn't work gently heat with a propane torch, more penetrant, and let sit again. Try again, if it doesn't move, then try tightening it, you just want the the nut to move as soon as it does, back off. Try to remove it again. If that doesn't work. the oxy-acetylene maybe your only choice, I sure hope not.

Good Luck

Larry

What size is the lock nut? I'd be leary about cooking the steering box with a torch...

Jeff

Locknut is 2 1/4". I agree, torching it doesn't seem like the
best idea. Got a new 3/4" drive 6 point socket today. Will
try again. Suspect the the lock nut hasn't been loosened since
assembly back in 55.
Thanks

I used a pipe wrench. But, the steering box was clamped in a vice on the work bench.

First, are you sure you want to mess with the worm adjustment?
I work on a lot of steering boxes and I doubt you will remove any slop in the box with this adjustment.
If the play can not be removed with the sector/pitman shaft adjustment you most likely need new pitman shaft bushings, or possibly a pitman shaft also.

Hello All,
Finally got it all apart yesterday. Everything is OK and the steering box internals are all in great shape. Will proceed with the adjustment as outlined in the service manual. Am optimistic that this will reduce the wandering.
NEED INFO ON THE DRAG LINK. MINE HAS VERY "NOTCHY" BALL JOINTS. THEY ARE STILL TIGHT AND HOLD GREASE BUT DO NOT ARTICULATE SMOOTHLY AND ONE IS STIFFER THAN THE OTHER. HOW WILL THIS AFFECT MY STEERING? SHOULD I REPLACE THE DRAG LINK? NEVER NOTICED ANYTHING WHEN DRIVING.
Many Thanks to all who responded.

You could get a kit to rebuild the drag link, new cups springs etc.

Kurt

Kurt,
Who sells the kit you mentioned?
Thanks

Here is a link to Chevy of the 40's rebuild kit. I'm sure the other vendors carry it also.

Drag link rebuild kit

Kurt