[Player]

I had the fender off so I turned the wheel back and forth to try and identify the culprit of the loose steering. It appeared to be coming from the steering box, not the tie rod ends. Anything else I should check, or is this likely the problem? If this is the problem, I would assume that a rebuild is in order (the car has power assist steering, not manual).

 

[mustangman1966t]

How is the steering from one side to the next. If one direction steers easier than the other, you may also need to get a new/rebuilt control valve. It did wonders for my '68 and my Dad's '69.

 

[Player]

It feels about the same left or right. Just a little sloppy in both directions. So you think my control valve is ok (based on that info)?

 

[mustangman1966t]

Sound like the control valve is fine. When the tires are dead center, how much play do you have before you feel resistance in the steering wheel? This measuring at circumference of the wheel in inches providing you have on the original steering wheel. Dad's is still less than 2 inches with the original gear box.

 

[Player]

I'll have to measure...but I would guess a couple of inches each direction.

 

[mustangman1966t]

You may want to adjust the steering box and see if that helps. Don't overtighten the adjusting screw.

 

[Player]

Here is where my novice status really shines through. I wasn't aware there was an adjusting screw. Is it supposed to move pretty easily? What exactly is it adjusting within the unit?

 

[mustangman1966t]

Tension. The Mustang a worm and sector gear box, which has ball bearings in it. Too much adjustment will damage them. I get off work in an hour. I have an original 1968 Mustang Repair Manual at home that I can reference for more detail. Send me some more questions and I can answer them. BTW, since you are a newbie, checkout vendor websites and find the reproduction repair manual for your car...example Sacremento Mustang, Dallas Mustang, etc... These manuals can teach you how to take apart everything on the car. For now, take off the lid and see if you have any fluid in the gear box. When I get home I can tell you what to fill it with. It came from the factory with grease and that is not what you are going to use now. On the adjuster nut, try 1/4 turn. Don't forget to tighten the securing nut. Drive the car and see if there is any change. If not, go another 1/4 turn and try again. Make sure you have proper fluid in the gear box first. I will let you know when I get to the house.

 

[Player]

I read that it should be filled with a moly or lithium based chassis grease. Is this the same on both power assisted and manual steering?

 

[mustangman1966t]

where did you read that?

 

[mustangman1966t]

Check out this website for good grease.
332-428 Ford FE Engine Forum: O/T Steering gear lubricant?-

Mustangs Plus has shop manuals on CD and reproduction books. I suggest one of these on getting the How-To Vols 1 and 2. The shop manual has detailed instructions on troubleshooting your steering. The info is too detailed to type over the forum.

 

[Player]

www.stangerssite.com

 

[Player]

I actually haven't checked the grease in it yet. I'll try that first and see if it helps. Do you just use a standard grease gun?

 

[bexleykent]

I had play problems in my 68 which is the same as the 69 steering system. I spent years and tons of money, and aggravation trying to fix it and I had no success.

I replaced all the tie rods, control valve, installed a flaming river gear box, upper and lower control arms, coil springs, and rag joint.

I even purchased a manual adapter to eliminate the control valve to narrow the problem.

I ended up purchasing a rack and pinion steering system from Randal's rack. Absolutely the best money I ever spent.

I cost me about $1,300 for the rack system, which is about the same as what I spent for all the parts above.

Now the car has absolutely zero play, really made the car a pleasure to dive.

The system was a one day installation. I started at 8 am and had it finished at 5 pm. Then I had to take it in for an alignment.

 

[Player]

Where exactly do you adjust the steering box (if need be)?

 

[mustangman1966t]

There is a screw on top of the box that has a nut at the base to lock it in place. Go to the website that you referenced and look at the diagrams. Bexley is right, the design will always have play to it. My '66 coupe (manual) was at it's best with one inch of play. I firmly believe in converting to rack and pinion unless the car is being restored for competition.

 

[Player]

Sounds like the rack & pinion option is the way to go. Any suggested companies/brands other than Randal's Rack?

Those pictures on the site will probably make more sense once I get in there and work on my steering box, but I thought the screw on the top of the unit is where you fill it. Not where you adjust it. :scratchchin

 

[mustangman1966t]

Total Control (TCI) has a nice one. Stay away from Flaming River as far as racks are concerned. Check out Mustang Monthly. They have great articles on rack conversions. I think the current has one for '69s. I know their website has the tech articles.

 

[Player]

Regarding the steering box, do you just use a standard grease gun to fill it?

 

[STERLING351]

I'll have to measure...but I would guess a couple of inches each direction.

My Mach1 does the same thing, just not inches of play, mine is like .75inch each way, i just sucked it up and got used to it. Does it bother you that bad?