The Fordson Tractor Pages Forum

Think I read on here somewhere that you could add some washes or spacers (Not shims) to the inside of the steering box behind the rocker arms to reduce freeplay.
Has anyone had any success with this?

I have replaced just about everything else outside and still have about 90 degrees slack. It's definitely in the box.

Cheers.

It is bad news i am afraid, there is no easy way to sort out a Dexta steering box other than strip it down and repair it.

I figured as much, but I was hoping this washer/spacer idea might have some merit.

What exactly is involved in a rebuild?

I think shims is the correct way to set up your steering box.

See workshop manual and this thread may be some help.
http://www.fordsontractorpages.nl/phpbb ... f=3&t=3388

Ive taken all the shims out and still have the play.

Thanks Ben, I've actually read that thread. I don't think I've got the skill to weld and machine the rocker arms. Maybe some second hand one if I can find them??

I tried the washer idea on the inside of the rocker arms just to test the theory. I only did the left side as i didnt have time to take the box out. It has certainly reduced the play, down to about 45 degrees,but the steering is now heavier. It's probably only a temp fix.

I've ordered some new seals for the rocker arms, so when they arrive I might add a washer/spacer to the right and see what happens...

Which begs the questions how do you fit the new seals? On to the rocker arms and push in or put into the housing first?

Totally off topic. Fitted new temp guage the other day and decided to do all the hoses whilst I was at it. Put it all back together and sealed up housings etc with sealant, then realised I never saw a thermostat. Any issues running without one, considering I'm over here in warm Aust?

basewindow wrote:Ive taken all the shims out and still have the play.

Thanks Ben, I've actually read that thread. I don't think I've got the skill to weld and machine the rocker arms. Maybe some second hand one if I can find them??

I tried the washer idea on the inside of the rocker arms just to test the theory. I only did the left side as i didnt have time to take the box out. It has certainly reduced the play, down to about 45 degrees,but the steering is now heavier. It's probably only a temp fix.

I've ordered some new seals for the rocker arms, so when they arrive I might add a washer/spacer to the right and see what happens...

Which begs the questions how do you fit the new seals? On to the rocker arms and push in or put into the housing first?

Totally off topic. Fitted new temp guage the other day and decided to do all the hoses whilst I was at it. Put it all back together and sealed up housings etc with sealant, then realised I never saw a thermostat. Any issues running without one, considering I'm over here in warm Aust?

Hello basewindow
How did u get the old seals out??

Seals are easy enough to get out with a flat head screw driver. However you need to completely remove the steering box and dismantle it first. Haven't put the new seals in yet, still in the process of welding and grinding the steering worm shafts and rockers.
Not 100 percent sure how they go back in the casing as one side looks a bit different to the other, has a small lip where the other doesn't. I'll let you know.

Oops did that twice.