609albert Posted September 19, 2019 Share Posted September 19, 2019 I have a 1954 LS85 Mack pumper it has as long as I have owned it what seem like too much play in the steering ,put new tie rod ends but it didn't seem to help ,leaning now toward worn steering gear box, any Ideas on a fix? Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/59074-excess-play-in-steering-wheel/ Share on other sites More sharing options...
JoeH Posted September 19, 2019 Share Posted September 19, 2019 How are the U-joints in the steering column? Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/59074-excess-play-in-steering-wheel/#findComment-432439 Share on other sites More sharing options...
609albert Posted September 20, 2019 Author Share Posted September 20, 2019 their are no U joints in this type Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/59074-excess-play-in-steering-wheel/#findComment-432479 Share on other sites More sharing options...
CaptainCrutch Posted September 20, 2019 Share Posted September 20, 2019 The Armstrong steering will just feel like it has too much play in it, my 53 LS95 is the same way but it’s always been that way. Just one of that models quirks, it should be different if it’s power steering though, in which case I can’t help you because mine has manual... Quote Who needs a back yard when you could have a Yard?! Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/59074-excess-play-in-steering-wheel/#findComment-432481 Share on other sites More sharing options...
609albert Posted September 21, 2019 Author Share Posted September 21, 2019 Yes power steering was added during restore and still has excess play Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/59074-excess-play-in-steering-wheel/#findComment-432559 Share on other sites More sharing options...
JoeH Posted September 21, 2019 Share Posted September 21, 2019 Truck off, how many inches of free play is there left to right on the steering wheel? Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/59074-excess-play-in-steering-wheel/#findComment-432569 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vladislav Posted September 21, 2019 Share Posted September 21, 2019 (edited) I don't know what you have of the steering gear on your LS85 but my L-model - like Mack truck (NR) has one named as Mack Archemoid gear. I had two of them when revised, used perfect low mile screw and sector but found play of the sector cross shaft (the Pitman arm was pressed onto). The shaft turns in two needle bearings and I could trace a pair of NOS ones through fleabay. Those were Torrington brand and almost identical to the original content. The final issue was new bearings supplied almost the same play of the shaft and some overall play in the assembled gear as it was with the old ones. So looked like a factory design to me. I was thinking on plasma-welding excessive metal to the shaft journals and than grind them down to the desired size but passed on that being afraid ruining the shaft. Edited January 31, 2020 by Vladislav 1 Quote Никогда не бывает слишком много грузовиков! leversole 11.2012 Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/59074-excess-play-in-steering-wheel/#findComment-432576 Share on other sites More sharing options...
609albert Posted September 22, 2019 Author Share Posted September 22, 2019 I will check it out ,seems like no easy fix Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/59074-excess-play-in-steering-wheel/#findComment-432596 Share on other sites More sharing options...
609albert Posted September 22, 2019 Author Share Posted September 22, 2019 someone also suggested tighten2 adjustable ends on drag link Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/59074-excess-play-in-steering-wheel/#findComment-432598 Share on other sites More sharing options...
41chevy Posted September 22, 2019 Share Posted September 22, 2019 Look at the box there should be a lash adjustment on it. Generally a jamb nut and a slotted machine thread screw to adjust the sector shaft play. If it is there you need to get the specs on end play. May be a Sheppard box in it but not 100% sure. 1 Quote "OPERTUNITY IS MISSED BY MOST PEOPLE BECAUSE IT IS DRESSED IN OVERALLS AND LOOKS LIKE WORK" Thomas Edison “Life’s journey is not to arrive at the grave safely, in a well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, totally worn out, shouting ‘Holy shit, what a ride!’” P.T.CHESHIRE Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/59074-excess-play-in-steering-wheel/#findComment-432610 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hobert62 Posted September 22, 2019 Share Posted September 22, 2019 5 hours ago, 609albert said: someone also suggested tighten2 adjustable ends on drag link If you grab the drag link you should be able to feel if there is excess play in the ends. It will rotate but shouldn’t have slop in it. 1 Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/59074-excess-play-in-steering-wheel/#findComment-432617 Share on other sites More sharing options...
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