What's the best way to remove the worm from a steering shaft for a mid 50's Ford? I have an old shaft and need to remove the worm to use the remaining shaft in a power steering adaption. Thanks Abe
Take a die grinder with a cutoff disc and grind a slot through the worm gear. Get real close but don't cut into the shaft. Then take a fat chisel and finish the cut.
Put it in a hydraulic press, support the worm and press on the end of the shaft with a stepped driver (like a valve guide punch). Some take a considerable amount of force to break loose. Neal
Rustyfords over on the '54 Ford Club of America site did a in depth article on rebuilding his steering box,,you might find some information here. HRP http://1954ford.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=32&t=3105
Your link is to a guy basically saying "Take it apart. Take it to a machine shop to press in the bearings. Reassemble it." I hope you meant a different article, as this fella does nothing about actual rebuilding. He even has his "vocabulary" words mixed up so he is furthering misinformation.
Just trying to help,I thought he was rebuilding the box. After re-reading the OP's question I am compelled to agree with squirrel,,cut it up. HRP
The worm gear is pressed/welded onto the shaft, so some cutting will be involved. The biggest issue with rebuilding the mid-50s Ford steering boxes is the bearing races on the steering shaft are integral with the worm gear. Ford hard-chrome-plated the race surface then ground them to size/finish. When the shaft bearings go bad, the plating will start peeling off the race surface.
The cut-off wheel worked great. Thanks for the suggestion. Now to put the rest of the steering joints together. Abe
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