[72cat]

Anyone know of a good website that will give me some info on stripping down the steering system, need to find out why I have so much play on the steering wheel, the 1970 cougar. I lost my cool at the wheel place today [hate being ignored] so guess I can't show my face around there for awhile, anyway there is no reason why we can't sort it out ourselves, apart from having no time, no space to work, and no clue of
where to start. Minor problems that can be overcome.
Most specialist places are closing soon for the merry season so we are going to have to do it ourselves. .

 

[TheRktmn]

I have a copy of Ford's "Troubleshooting Power Steering Systems" that covers the system in your 70. It's only a few pages, if you have a fax number I will fax it, otherwise I will have to scan it and email it to you. Let me know if/how you want it.

 

[72cat]

Thanks Bob, I would really appreciate that, unfortunately we don't have a fax machine so if you could scan it and send it that would be great, sending you my e-mail address via private message.

Dayle

 

[cmpcpro]

You should be able to tighten the steering box to get rid of alot of play. And its only about a 5-10 minute task.

 

[72cat]

Funy you should mention that, thats exactly what a V8 nut friend of mine said today, he even showed me what to do on an old Fairlane, but then when I mentioned power steering he told me to get more advice.

 

[TheRktmn]

Dayle, you have mail!

 

[RayJ]

Is it possible to tighten the steering on a 70 power steering box?
RayJ

 

[kirkm76]

Does the same apply to a 68

my 68's steering is very sloppy. Would the worn cyllinder cause some of this and can the box be tightened also. If so, how?

 

[TheRktmn]

Be careful adjusting your steering box. Too tight and it can bind causing some interesting moments. Also, if it is too tight you may not feel it binding but it will wear out the gear very quickly.
The insructions for adjusting the box are in the shop manual in the Manual Steering section. I have scanned this page into PDF format. If anyone wants a copy send me your email address and I will send it.

 

[droptopcat70]

steering box

Question,
if the steering box is really bad, is it fiesable to have it rebuilt?I am curious on this as well, even though mine doesnt leak or have any play in it would it be cheaper to replace it? or rebuild it?
thanks
pat
p.s. i only ask cause in time after tightening it would that make the internaals wear out that much more and faster?

 

[TheRktmn]

One of the problems with out worm & sector boxes is that the casting wears as well as the bearings. Rebuilding it can be done but generally it is not as good as new since the casting has worn. Flaming River boxes are all new castings with different internals. I have one in my 69 and it made a world of difference. Of course $370 is a lot of money, but it is the steering.
FordMuscle Web Magazine did a write up on the Flaming River box. http://66.96.130.106/archives/2002/07/steeringbox/index.shtml it

 

[72cat]

Thanks Bob for the info, received about an hour and ten minutes ago . BTW, pm sent to you.
One of the biggest problems with out steering is the fact that I have about 30 degrees play on the steering wheel each side, before the tyres even consider moving. Also have 265's on the back and 195's on the front, would that cause a problem, am changing the rims as soon as finances allow, thats how we bought her. If I am doing about 75-80mph she seems okay, until I hit a bump, then she goes all over the place, also scary on a narrow road when trucks come past, trying to keep her steady.
Now the brakes have packed up again as well, but I think that is just brake fluid leaking, will have to find out where.
The rear rims are these funny things where they have welded two together or something to make a wide rim, they could be unbalanced - which just adds to the problem.
The main problem tho is the play on the steering wheel.

 

[TheRktmn]

Tire/wheel size shouldn't cause the problems that you are describing. I would look at worn mechanicals - Inner and Outer Tie rod ends, Idler arm, steering box. The P/S valve should not cause this either, unless the car is "darting" when you move the wheel slightly.
Put the car up on a lift or jack stands so that the fron wheels are clear of the ground. Push in and out on the sides of one tire slightly and watch the steering assembly to see where the play is. The opposite wheel should turn with the one that you are wiggling. If you can wiggle one side and not the other than your play isd in the tierods or idler arm. If both wheels move the same then the problem is in the steering box.
With both wheels on the ground, wiggle the steering wheel back and forth lightly (just until you feel pressure, you don't want to actually move the wheels) and watch the pitman arm coming out of the bottom of the steering box. It should move as soon as you move the wheel. If you have movement at the steering wheel but not at the pitman arm then you have a loose steering box. Note that some play is normal in the ball stud that the pitman arm attaches to on the P/S valve.
Send me your email address again and I will send you the PDF file on how to adjust the steering box. If you want to pay shipping I will give you the box from my 69. It worked great when I took it out, drove across the US - literally - with no funny business.
I replaced it because I had replaced everything else in the front end. It's yours if you need it.

 

[72cat]

Bob, you have mail

 

[TheRktmn]

Thanks, Dayle. So do you.

 

[Martin]

I had the steering gear for my 69 Cougar rebuilt for a little less than $300 including UPS shipping back and forth. I am not quite happy with the result and have a new one from Flaming River on the shopping list (after several other things). From my perspective it is cheaper to buy new the first time though the initial outlay is more.

 

[72cat]

Bob, you have mail.

 

[dan]

hey 72,I went down to look for that back up light for you .But it was slim cougar pick-ins.If I find one Ill let you know

 

[72cat]

Thanks Dan, appreciate you looking for it, there are old cortina's here that have clear glass indicators in front, a bit higher than the cougar one, thier grills are also recessed so its the same shape, if I could just find one of those I am sure I could modify it, trouble is they are also scarce,