KMD88 2 Report post Posted May 13, 2019 Hi everyone. First-time poster and brand new Mach 1 owner. Just got my Mach 1 a couple of months ago (351W automatic) and really loving it. The previous owner(s) kept it in relatively good shape, and I only had to make a few modifications to get it drive-able. The steering wheel has quite a bit of play in it, and I've read various posts about how to fix the issue. I replaced the Power Steering Control Valve and hoses (they had been leaking; not because of the play), and that helped a little. However, I'm still feeling enough play that I want to nip it in the bud. Short of adjusting the screw at the top of the gearbox, what are my best options to tighten the steering? Does it fall more to replacing/upgrading the steering box and/or the steering column? Thanks! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
barnett468 418 Report post Posted May 14, 2019 You need to determine exactly what part, or parts, are causing the play first. Worn tie rod ends and worn idler arms are common and will cause loose steering. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Midlife 814 Report post Posted May 14, 2019 So will a bad rag joint. Best to get a buddy to turn the wheel while you look at what's moving and not affecting the rest of the system to move while under the car. West Coast Cougars has a great video on exactly this problem and how best to diagnose it. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RPM 1,190 Report post Posted May 14, 2019 Welcome to the forum. Since I'm a guy, I sure would like to look at some pics of your Mach 1. This is what I installed to get tighter steering. It's a manual steering center link. I'm an overweight, 63 yo out of shape guy with manual brakes and steering on my Mach 1. Who needs power anything on a classic Mustang? As the guys have said, check all the connector joints in the steering. It usually takes two people, one turning the steering wheel, the other under the car observing and shaking joints for tightness. Pics brother, I gots to see some pics. Oh, and which part of the world do you call home? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
KMD88 2 Report post Posted May 15, 2019 Thanks Bob. I live in LA, so not too far from you. Pics attached! And thanks to everyone else here for the advice. I'll get under the car with a buddy and see if I can diagnose any current issues. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
danno 128 Report post Posted May 17, 2019 I had this problem with my car that I chased for 5 years. I replaced a lot of parts, and nothing made a huge difference. I suppose that in 1969 that was as good as it got. People lived with poor steering because they did not know better. But now I drive other cars with better steering, and I wanted that in my 69. So I gave up and put in power rack and pinion. One of the best things I ever did for my daily driver. I used Randall's Rack because that was all that was available 15+ years ago. Now I understand there are other systems that are better. The big and only problem with Randalls Rack is the turning radius is large. Other systems are better. That is a real nice Mach 1, KMD. I was considering buying one to go with my convertible. someday.... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RPM 1,190 Report post Posted May 17, 2019 http://www.chockostangclassicmustang.com/ Chockostang is a trusted and well respected rebuilder of Mustang steering boxes. If yours has play that can't be adjusted out, he's your guy. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
barnett468 418 Report post Posted May 18, 2019 Unfortunately, steering boxes can not be fully rebuilt, and typically are never as good as new when they are "rebuilt", because the worm gears wear and are not available, and when they wear, the steering will still have play, but some people try to reduce this play by over tightening the adjustment. This being said, a steering box that has play in the bearings will have less play after they are replaced. If one wants to properly rebuild a steering box that has worn gears, they can send the gears out to have then welded and refaced, however, this is a fairly expensive operation, but it shouldn't need to be done again until long after most of us are dead and buried. 2 1969_Mach1 and RPM reacted to this Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Brian Conway 264 Report post Posted May 18, 2019 Ford's power steering units were poor from the start and got worse with wear. That is my opinion based mostly on the 66 version. That said a couple of ' tighteners ' I have used are the adjustment screw at the outboard end of the unit. The 69 shop manual will have instructions pg.03-07-03/06. The other is the ' post ' that the pitman arm attach's to. The tensioning springs at either side of the ball end of the post need to be replaced. Brian Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
