steering wheel play gearbox

[ford289ci]

Does anyone know what is wrong if there is like a half foot play in the steering wheel. The tires do not respond when you move the wheel side to side. I believe the gearbox might be warn. I am thinking of having it rebuilt. Has anyone done this how much have they paid, there is a place called cj automotive in gardena,ca that I think does this for about $100 (rebuilding the gear box) thanks

 

[gbhrps]

ford289ci,
There is more in the front end that could be wrong and cause the play in the steering. I would suggest that you have someone who is qualified check all of your steering components, before committing to a steering rack rebuild. Maybe the idler arm
is gone, etc.

 

[DreemKiller]

My 56 had a lot of play in the steering wheel. Turns out, the only thing that was wrong was a missing cotter pin on the power-steering core.

 

[jsulen]

You are correct. A steering gearbox is worth $100+. I had mine replace last week and it cost me $93 i think.