2000 FORD STEERING PROBLEM

Also, how much play should be in the worm gear? There appears to be alot of play in this particular worm gear and I am wondering if that has anything to do with the steering wheel backing out.

Finally, is there anything that is supposed to keep tension on the worm gear such as a spring or bearing on the top of the steering shaft? Any help would greatly be appreciated!

Soundguy is the expert on Ford tractors and I'm not; however, I also have a Ford 2000 with manual steering. I also had steering box problems and rebuilt the unit a couple of years ago. The "unscrewing" of your steering shaft is definitely caused by a defective bearing assembly that is in the bottom of the steering column that is supposed to hold the steering shaft down. As Soundguy said, you must have a service manual to do this job. I found it to be very tricky to get the two sector gears timed correctly to the worm gear that is on the steering shaft, but after a lot of looking and trying, I finally got it timed properly.

If you are mechanically inclined, you can do the job. If you are not mechanically inclined, you really need to have a good mechanic do the job for you.

Good luck,

Tom in TN

Soundguy

yuor steering box should use 2 thrust washers.. and upper and lower. When the upper bearing dies from lack f lube.. you get excessive play, binding when steering 1 direction, and the steeirng wheel will 'unscrew' from the box.

R&R of the steering box is dirty and involves alot of sheet metal disassembly.. but is not rocket science. go for it.

Soundguy