F1 steering box really hard to turn

Hello,<O</O
<O</O
I have a F1 1950 with some wierd steering issues.<O</O
<O</O
Most threads are about play in the center. I have a different problem, it is hard to turn the wheel both left and right. Box is full of oil.<O</O
What I have tested so far:<O</O
1. Put the truck on jack stands, no difference still very hard to turn (two hands and a lot of force)! <O</O
2. Loosened the adjustment nut by 1/4 turn increments in total 3,5 turns, got some more play in the center but still very hard to turn (two hands).
3. Loosened the endplate screws a little, no difference still hard to turn with some play.
<O</O

What can this be? Can a box be this hard even if it is full of oil and the adjustment nut is untightened several turns and the truck on jacks?

Tie rods etcetera seem to be well greased and should not cause that much friction or ? <O</O

I have looked at rebuilt steering boxes $$$. LMC, ABS Powerbrake and Shoebox. Are they always delivered with the shaft, It seems shaft and worm are pressed together one these boxes. <O</O
<O</O


Best regards<O</O
<O</O
Nick<O</O

 

I'd disconnect the drag link and try to turn the wheels with the steering box out of the picture. Sometimes king pins seize pretty hard.

 

For sure the king pins are seized or almost there. Happened to me a few times, big rosebud tip on the torch and heat the spindle area of the king pins. Then get the grease gun and try to force it in. Make take a few times but then whoosh the grease shoots through and everywhere and then you'll think you have power steering.

 

OK thanks!

So from what you both say the box is not siezed.

Will disconnect the drag link and try to turn the wheels to feel if the king pins are siezed.
Is it easiest to disconnect the drag link from the pitman arm or in the front?

/Nick

By the way, when looking at the axle ***embly I saw that the caster plates had the thick end in the front! That means axle leans forward = reverse caster (= steering not going back to center), that will be the next thing to fix.

 

Hi,

It was the king pins that were not properly greased! And the caster plates were reversed making the truck want to stay in curve. Now with plates turned with thick side back and king pins greased it works well.