1953 Steering adjustment question

[Charles]

Was under the car, changing the oil, when I decided to check out the steering. It's been excessively loose lately. the problem may have been the REALLY loose pitman arm (glad I found it before it caused an accident), but while reading the service manual, I started feeling around at the Pitman end shaft play adjustment bolt. Mine is flush with the locking nut. Is this oaky? or does it indcate a worn steering box?

thanks
Charles

[Dave Shepherd]

Usually not flush down to bolt, it is possible the gears are worn and someone did this to eliminate play or they may have it too tight, does the wheel return to straight after making steering corrections on the road or around turns?

[Charles]

Usually not flush down to bolt, it is possible the gears are worn and someone did this to eliminate play or they may have it too tight, does the wheel return to straight after making steering corrections on the road or around turns?

Steering seems to be normal since I tightened the Pitman Arm. wierd.