[Ford-ferguson] steering bearing

[Chris Britton]

The top and bottom thrust bearings the steering shaft/worm gear ride on have
been crossed to plastic by some companies.. but you should be able to get
metal ones from places like:
www.just8ns.com
Also.. unless the steering wheel rises and lowers, like it is screwing in
and out when turning.. you don't specifically need bearings.. but rather
sector gear backlash adjustment.  On the old style box, you remove the 4
bolts, and rotate the sector capto see if you can get it to tighten up (
eccentric housing ).  If it does snug up a bit.. turn it to the nearest
hole, and bolt in.. the the other side next.  Start on the sector that
engages the worm/ball-nut, and then do the other sector.  It is good to have
the front end jacked up and on stands.  Also.. under the top cover of the
box there may be shims.. if you are only getting a few thousandths of rise..
remove some shims..

If the sector covers rotate all the way around without ever snugging up..
you need sector bushings...  full steering rebuild time.  You always have
the option of buying a late model steering box and slapping it in as well..
they are bolt-bolt matches... course may be a tad spendy to fix it that way.
Lotsa people also repack with a pourable grease like cornhead oil rather
than the 90wt oil.. some even use grease, and replace the fill screw with a
fitting.  Do whatever your wallet and wrench feel comfortable with.

Soundguy

>From: "soffiler at myeastern.com" <soffiler at myeastern.com>
>I just got a note from a very good friend of mine who is
>helping another friend with his 8N.  Please note his email
>to me, below.  Any comments would be appreciated.  Online
>sources for this bearing?  Rumor has it that Ford might have
>superceded the roller bearing with a Delrin (plastic)
>bearing.  Anyone heard of that?  Comments?
>Best regards,
>Steve O.