Technical How much play is normal for an F1 steering?

I built a 32 with the ubiquitous F1 pickup steering box conversion. I know not to expect modern car direct steering but it does have play. How much is considered normal?

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zero free play,.......... or something is worn or not adjusted correctly.

 

Take off the draglink, then count turns of the box. Then go to the mid point and then turn the pitman adjusting screw in a bit at a time while moving the wheel 1/4 turn side to side. At some point, you should start to feel a slight drag in one spot, but will feel free on either side of that high spot. If the high spot is worn down and you don't feel it, then the worm gear is worn at dead center.

If you do find a high spot, then adjust the screw so there is a very slight drag as you go over that high spot, and lock the screw nut. Now hook the drag link back up and with weight on the front tires, watch the pitman shaft where it comes out of the box & bushing. There should be zero slop in that bushing, and the pitman should not show any side to side movement, or there will be free play if it has slop.

One more adjustment rarely needed, is if the worm gear can move up or down. That will also cause free play

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Well, something should move every time the steering wheel moves. Free play itself would be just the movement of the main shaft prior to any movement at all in the Pitman arm. If that is the case you can tighten up the bearings on the Worm gear if they are worn as well as adjust the sector shaft if needed. Often it's a little of both. Most often depending on what the steering link is mounted to there is movement there before the Tires swing. You gotta be more specific to get a real good answer to your question.
The Wizzard

 

F&J, There is adjustment for up and down movement. It's the shims on the end cap of the box.

 

make sure the drag link is the adjusted so the car is going straight with the box centered.

 

The worm gear bearings need a slight pre-load if I recall. Don't remember the spec, but it's in the factory manual how to set it.

 

Read once that up to one inch at the top of the wheel was in spec.Make sure everything in the front end is tight,and the box is bolted tight to the frame.Anything loose will act like play.