Steering worm gear

[Frank C.]

I bought a used steering column. The worm gear was moved down on the shaft so far that the sector didn't make contact. You could turn the steering wheel without moving the sector shaft! The worm gear is a press fit. I'm thinking somebody turned the steering wheel too far and forced the worm gear out of position on the shaft. When I looked in the end (see pic) I could see about an inch of the worm gear spline. I have since reduced the visible spline to 13/32". Can anyone tell me what the spec should be, or when it's good enough? Should the end bearing race on the worm gear be flush with the end of the shaft? I think once I get it close to where it should be it'll be okay on the car because what was done had to have been done off the car. BTW, there was no lube. Someone took this thing apart, cleaned it and put it back together wrong. Help! Frank Condron, Edna, Texas
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[Richard M.]

Re: Steering worm gear

Frank,

Changing the shaft depth in the worm will only affect the steering wheel placement at the top end of the shaft. The end cap bearing sets the end of the worm to it's proper depth for Sector contact.

Here are some photos for reference. See measurements of worm to end of shaft below. This was on a original before I rebuilt it.

Rich

P3150001.jpgP3220010.jpgP3220011.jpgPA180060.jpgPA180061.jpg

Depth to shaft is just under 3/8"
DSCN1568.jpg

With a Caliper, depth is 0.352"
DSCN1569.jpgDSCN1570.jpg

[Frank C.]

Re: Steering worm gear

Thank you Richard. Looks like I've got it pretty close. Good pictures (better than mine). Now to finish the inspection. Frank