Ball nut assembly.

(7) Remove the locknut from the lash adjuster and

j. Ball nut assembly.

unscrew the lash adjuster from the side cover. Slide the

lash adjuster out of slot in the end of the sector

(1) Place the worm shaft flat on the bench and slip

gearshaft.

the nut over the worm, with the ball guide holes up and

the shallow end of the rack teeth to the left from the

f. Disassembly of ball bearing nut. Disassembly of the

steering wheel position. Align the grooves in the worm

ball bearing nut will not be necessary, if it is perfectly free

and nut by sighting through the ball guide holes.

with no indication of binding or tightness when rotated on

the worm. However, if there is any indication of binding

(2) Place one half number of balls removed in f. (2)

or tightness, the unit should be disassembled, cleaned

above into a clean container. This is the proper number

and inspected as follows:

of balls for one circuit. Drop the counted balls from the

container into one of the guide holes while turning the

(1) Remove the bolt and clamp retaining the ball

worm gradually away from that hole. Continue until the

guides to the nut. Draw the guides out of the nut.

ball circuit is full from the bottom of one guide hole to the

bottom of the other or until stopped by reaching the end

(2) Turn the nut upside down and rotate the worm

of the worm.

shaft back and forth until all the balls have dropped out

of the nut into a clean pan. With the balls removed, the

In cases where the balls are stopped by the end

nut can be pulled endwise off the worm. Count and note

of the worm, hold down those balls already

number of balls removed. Be sure same number is

dropped into the nut with the blunt end of a clean

installed at assembly.

rod or punch, and turn the worm in the reverse

direction a few turns. The filling of the circuit can

(3) With the steering gear completely disassembled,

then be continued. It may be necessary to work

wash all parts in SD. Dry them thoroughly with clean

the worm back and forth, holding the balls down

rags.

With a magnifying glass inspect the roller

first in one hole then the other, to close up the

bearings, cones, worms and nut grooves and the

spaces between the balls and fill the circuit

surfaces of the balls for signs of indentation. Also check

completely and solidly.

for any signs of chipping or breakdown of the surface.

(3) Lay one-half of the ball guide, groove up, on the

(4) Any parts that show signs of damage should be

bench and place the remaining balls from the count

replaced. Balls must be replaced with genuine parts

container in it. The number of the balls remaining should

made according to special specifications for this steering

just fill the guide.

gear. No other balls should be used regardless of grade

or quality.

(4) Close this half of guide with the other half. Hold

the two halves together and plug each open end with

(5) Inspect the sector gearshaft for wear and check

Vaseline so balls will not drop out while installing guide.

the fit in the housing bushing.

(5) Push the guide into the guide holes of the nut.

(6) Inspect the fit of the pilot on the end of the

This completes one circuit of balls. If the guide does not

gearshaft in its bushing in the side cover. If this bushing

push all the way down easily, tap it lightly into place with

is worn, a new side cover and bushing assembly should

the wooden handle of a screwdriver.

be installed, as it is impractical to replace this bushing.

(6) Fill the second ball circuit in the same manner as

(7) Check the ball guides for any damage at the ends

described.

where they deflect or pick the balls from their helical

path. Any damaged guides should be replaced.

(7) Assemble the ball guide clamp to the nut, being

sure to use lockwashers under the clamp screws, then

g. Sector shaft seal replacement.

tighten the screws securely.

(1) Pry old seal out of housing.

(8) Check the assembly by rotating the nut on the

worm to see that it moves freely. Do not rotate the nut to

(2) Press new seal into place using a suitable size

the end of the worm threads, as this may damage the

socket.

ball guides. If there is any stickiness in the motion of the

nut, some slight damage to the ends of the ball guides

h. Sector gearshaft bearing removal.

may have been overlooked.

(1) Remove the side cover, sector gearshaft and

k. Steering gear assembly. After a major service

worm shaft as outlined under e. above.

overhaul, where all of the original factory installed

lubricant has been washed out of the steering gear

(2) Support housing on suitable arbor press, then

assembly; the threads of the thrust bearing adjuster, side

use piloted driver to press both bearings from housing.

cover

bolts

and

lash

adjuster

i. Sector gearshaft bearing installation.

Reverse h.

above.