Donated by John & Susan Hansen - For Personal Use Only

STEERING GEAR
L-UNE MOTOR TRUCK SERVICE MANUAL Index
Page 1

STEERING GROUP

The following list shows the L-line truck models and their corresponding steering gear
models. Specifications of the individual steering gear models will be found on specifications
page 1.

STEERING GEAR STEERING GEAR

TRUCK MODELS TRUCK MODELS
MODELS MODELS

L-110 .. " . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . • TA-1Z L-IB4 • . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . TA-61

L-IZO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . • . . . . . • . TA-IZ L-IB5 . . . . . • . . . . . . . . . . . . TA-61
LM-IZO . . . . . . . • . . • . . . . . . . • . TA-14 LC-IBO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . TA-61
L-13 O. • . . . • . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . T-14 L -190. . . . . . • . . . • . . . . . . . . T-66
LB-140 . . . . . . • . . . . • . . . . . • . . T-14 L-193 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . T-66
L-150. . . . . • • . . . • . . . . . . . . • . TA-14 L-l94. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . T-66
L-153 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . TA-14 L-195 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . T-66
LM-150 .............. . TA-14 LC-l90 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
L-160 . . . . . . . • . . • . . . . . . . . . • . TA-54 LF-190 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . TA-66
L-163 . . . . . . . . . . . . . • . . . . . . . . TA-54 L-ZOO . • . . . . . . . • . . . . . . . . . . . TA-66
L-l 64. . . . . • . . . . . . . . • . . . • • . . TA-54 L-Z04. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . TA-66
L -1 65. . . • . . . • . . . • . . . . . • . . . . TA-54 L-Z 05 . . . . . . • . . . . . • . . . TA-66
LC-160 . . . • . . . . • • . . . . . . . TA-54 LC-ZOO . • . • . . . • • . . . . . .
L-1 70. . . . . • . . • • . . . . . • . . . . . . TA-54 L-ZlO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . • TA-70
:"'-173 . • . . . . . . • . . . . . . . . . . . . • TA-54 LF-ZlO . . . . . . . . . . . • . . . . • . . . TA-70
:"'-174• . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . • . . . . . TA-61 L-ZZO . . . . . . . . . . • • . . . . • . . . .
:"'-175 . . • . . . • • . . . . . . . . . . . . . . TA-54 LF-ZZO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
-,F-170 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . • . . . TA-61 L-ZZ5 . . . . . . . . . . • . . . . . . . TA-70
.... -lBO • • • . • • • • • . • • • • • • • TA-61 L-Z30. . . . . . . . . • • . . .
..1-1 83. . . • • . • • • . • . • • • . • . . • . • TA-61 LF-Z30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . •

INDEX
Page
;pecifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

SECTION "A"

l.djustments • . • . . . . . . . . . . . . . • . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . • . . . 1, Z
;onstruction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Jisassembling steering gear . . . • . . . . . • . . . . . . • . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
lrag links. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . • • . . • . . . . . . . . . • . . • . 5
'lstalling steering wheel • . . . . . . . . . . • . . . • . . . . . . . . • . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
acket tube bea ring. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . • . . • • • . . . . . . . . . • . . . . 6
.eassembling steering gear . . . . . . . . . . • . . . . . • • • . . . . . . . • . . . . . . . . 4, 5
.emoving stee ring wheel . . • . . . . • . . . • . . . • . • . . . . . . . . . . . . . • • . . 3
tee ring column alignment. . . • . . . • . . . . . . •................ 3
tee ring gear connection with front wheels . . . . . . . • . . . . . . . . . . • . . • . 3

PRINTED IN UNITED STATES 01'" AMER1CA

Donated by John & Susan Hansen - For Personal Use Only
 Donated by John & Susan Hansen - For Personal Use Only

~
STEERING GEAR SPECIFICATIONS r
i I I z
[TJ
STEERING GEAR MODELS TA-12 T-14 TA-14 TA-54 TA-61 T-66 TA-66 TA-70
3::
Steering Gears:
o
-1
Make . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ross Ross Ross Ross Ross Ross Ross Ross o
:::a
Ratio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15.4:13.5:15.4 17:15:17 20: 18:20 20:18:20 22: 18:22 19:17:19 23.4: 19.5: 23.4 23.4: 19.5:23.4 -1
:::a
Lever Shaft Diameter . . . .9360 .9980 1.1230 1.1230 1.248 1.3730 1.3730 C
1.4975 (')
r;
Pitman Travel: (f)
[TJ
Available 120
0
116 0 116 0 116 0 112 0 104 0 112 0 106 0
:::a
• 0 • • • • • • • • •

<
(')
[TJ
Steering Post Diameter . . . . . 7/8" 7 /8" 7 /8" 7/8" 1" 1" 1" 1"
3::
»
Steering Jacket Diameter . . . . 1-1/2" 1-1/2" 1-1/2" 1-1/2" 1-3/4" 1-3/4" 1-3/4" 1-3/4" z
c
»r

(fl
o-l
M
(flM

~~
8·2
~Cl
'1:!~Cl
P>~M
(IQ 0 "­
ro ::l ,.....
-Ul~
Donated by John & Susan Hansen - For Personal Use Only
 Donated by John & Susan Hansen - For Personal Use Only

STEERING GEARS
L-UNE MOTOR TRUCK SERVICE MANUAL Section A
Page I

STEERING GEARS
TA-12 I T-14 I TA·14 I TA-54 I TA-61 I T·66 I TA-66 I TA-70

~
'\ ~ Jacket tube

Nut and
~~, 4 Upper cover
lock washer
7 ~/5 Shim.
3
...••..t / Cap Screws ......
3 :t.
Screws Id ' Cam--~~
5"­
Shims \
Adjusting'lO'
screw Lock nut 2
9
9 Arm
Lock nut
-"::;:::;:f":­
... "­
End cover and
tuhe assembly A.22452 End cover and
Lever shaft
;" tube assembly A.22479
01J
Fig. I - Models lA-12, l-Iq, TA-JlL Fig. 2-Models lA-Sq,lA-61,l-66, lA-66 , lA-70.

Construction (See Figs. 1, 2, 3)

L-Line Trucks are equipped with (Ross)
semi-reversible cam and twin-lever steering BOTTOM OF GROOVE
gears. The twin-lever construction is shown NOTE VARIATION
SHAllOWER AT A & B
in Figs. I and 2.

There are two types of twin-lever gears

used: ­
PERMISSIBLE
LASH IN
1. Twin-lever with sliding studs -- the studs POSITIONS
are riveted in the lever so that the studs
have a sliding contact with the cam (Fig.
I).
2. Twin-lever with rolling studs -- the studs
are mounted in the lever with tapered rol­
ler bearings so that the studs have a roll­
ing contact on the cam (Fig. 2).
GEAR IStuds A & BI SHOWN AT MID-POSITION OF TRAVEl
Both studs of the twin-lever gear engage c ,hows VARIOUS POSITIONS OF STUD A ON TURNS
the cam for normal straight-ahead driving. As b shows VARIOUS POSITIONS OF STUD B ON TURNS
the steering action muves away from the normal IMPORTANT -ADJUST THRU THE MID-POSITION
A·23440
driving position into the parking range, one of Fig. 3
the studs dis engages the cam. The effective
leverage of this single stud increases so rap­ turns in parking. A valuable safety factor is a
idly, however, that in full parking the leverage lessening of the tendency to over-steer on
is 45 percent greater than with a single-lever c;urves and when passing other vehicles at high
type steering gear. This is due largely to the speed (See Fig. 3).
fact that because of the twin levers the steer­
ing arm is shorter and, therefore, has a full Adjustments
100 degrees of travel compared to 76 degrees
in a single-lever unit. Actually, the driver has NOTE: The basic design of the steering
at his disposal a dual-ratio gear which auto­ gears used in these trucks is siITlilar and the
matically changes froITl one ratio to another to method of servicing applies generally to all
suit the requirements of steering stability at units used. For illustrative purposes, assem­
high speeds, and easy wheel turn for sharp blies of the more COITlmon type are used.
PRINTED IN UNLTED STATES OF AMERICA
 Donated by John & Susan Hansen - For Personal Use Only

STEERING GEARS
Section A L-UNE MOTOR TRUCK SERVICE MANUAL
Page 2

Except for position of the lever shaft in the

Filler plug (11---."11
housing, the steering gear details are similar
and are serviced in the same manner.

When making adjustments, free the steer­

ing gear of "all load, preferably by disconnect­
ing the drag link from the steering arm, and
loosen instrument panel bracket clamp on
steering gear jacket tube.

If the ball thrust bearings on the cam must

be adjusted, make adjustment(l) before making
side adjustment to lever shaft studs in cam
groove (2).

1. ADJUSTMENT OF BALL THRUST BEAR­

INGS ON CAM. (9) \,- '--".'f

(a) Before making this adjustment loosen

....
Lock nut',\
,
A-22530
the housing side cover adjusting screw
(9, 10) to free the studs in the cam Fig. ~ Illustrates location of adjusting
groove (Fig. 4). screw and locknut
(b) Adjustment should be made so there
is a very slight drag but not so much
that steering wheel cannot be turned
from extreme to extreme by lightly
gripping rim with thumb and fore­
finger.
(c) Unscrew the four screws (3) and raise
the housing upper cover (4) to permit
removal of shims (5). (Shims are of
.002", .003" and .010" thickness).
(Fig. 5).
(d) Clip and remove a thin shim or more
as required, and draw cover down
tight against shims.
(e) Test as outlined in paragraph (b) and
if necessary remove or replace shims
until adjustment is correct.

2. ADJUST LEVER SHAFT STUDS IN CAM

GROOVE FOR BACKLASH. Fig. 5 - Showing location of shims under upper
housing cover used to adjust end-play on cam.
(a) Backlash at this point shows up as end (Shims are of .002", .003", and .010· thickness)
play of lever shaft, also as backlash
at steering wheel and at ball on steer­
ing arm. from extreme to extreme position
(Fig. 4).
(b) The groove is purposely cut deeper in
ends of cam than in mid-position. This (e) IMPORTANT: Steering gear must not
produces a high range through mid­ bind any position. Only a very slight
position and makes grooves narrower drag should be felt. A closer adjust­
through this range. This permits ment will not correct steering loose­
take-up of backlash in mid-position, ness caused by wear in other steering
after normal wear of groove, without gear members, but will damage parts
causing a bind in ends (Fig. 3). and impair operation.
(c) Adjustto this mid-position high range.
Do not adjust in end positions. Play (f) When proper adjustment has been
made, tighten lock nut (9) and then
in end position is not objectionable.
give gear a final test.
(d) Tighten side cover adjusting screw
(10) until a very light drag is felt (g) Make sure steering gear arrn is tight
through the mid-position high range on splined lever shaft and that lock­
when turning steering wheel slowly washer and nut are tight also.
 Donated by John & Susan Hansen - For Personal Use Only
STEERING GEARS
L·L1NE MOTOR TRUCK SERVICE MANUAL Section A
Page 3

3. STEERING COLUMN ALIGNMENT.

(a) After adjustments have been made and

lock screw tightened, turn steering
wheel to see if any stiffness exists. If
so, steering gear has been adjusted
too tight or steering column is out of
alignment. Misalignment of the column
places a bend in the column, conse­
quently, the wheel tube must undergo
reverse bending stresses during each
revolution. This is a serious condition
and mustbe avoided. THE STEERING
COLUMN MUST NOT BE SPRUNG
IN ANY DIRECTION.

4. STEERING GEAR CONNECTION WITH

FRONT WHEELS,

(a) The steering gear should be connected

to the front wheels so as to obtain as A·21734
nearly as possible the specified turn­
ing radius on both left and right turns. Fig, 6, Models TA-12, T-14, TA-14, TA-54
This is accomplished by turning the
steering wheel as far to the right as
possible, then rotate the wheel in the
opposite direction as far as possible
and note the total number of turns,
Turn the wheel back just onE?-half of
this total movement, thus placing the
gear in the mid'-position. With the
front wheels in position for straight­
ahead driving, it should then be pos­
sible to connect the drag link to the
ball on the end of the steering gear
arm without moving the gear to any
appreciable extent, If this cannot be
done, remove the arm from the steer­ 5
ing gear, using a suitable puller, and
place it on the splined shaft in the 4
proper position. Otherwise it will not
permit the front wheels to swing equal­ 3
ly to the left and right, Check steering
knuckle s top on front axle to make 2
sure that there is proper clearance
for the tire when turning at maximum
angle. Axle stops should also be set
out sufficiently to prevent steering
gear from lIbottoming", that is, to stop IO
the gear short of its absolute limit of
travel. If the gear is permitted to
bottom, damage to internal parts will A·21736
occur. Check to see if axle stops are Fig. 7, Models TA-61, T-66, TA-66, TA-70
set to do this on both left and right
turns. See that steering gear housing
is filled with lubricant as recom­
mended in "Lubrication Section".

5. TO REMOVE STEERING WHEEL (Figs. LEGEND for Figs. 6 and 7.

6 and 7),
1, Horn cable assembly 7. Steering wheel
(a) Disconnect horn wire at bottom of Z. Steering tube 8. Horn button
steering gear. 3. Jacket tube 9. Horn contact cap
4. Bearing assembly 10. Steering wheel nut
(b) Remove horn button (8) by pressing 5. Spring seat 11. Base plate assembly
down and turning to right or left with 6, Spring 12. Horn button spring
PRINTED,N UNrTED STATES or AMERICA
 Donated by John & Susan Hansen - For Personal Use Only
STEERING GEAR
Section A L-L1NE MOTOR TRUCK SERVICE MANUAL
Page 4

palIn of hand or vacuum cup, holding (e) Connect horn wire at bottOIn of steer­
steering wheel stationary. ing gear.
7. DISASSEMBLING STEERING GEAR.
(c) ReInove contact cap and spring.
(a) ReInove horn button. cable and steer­
(d) ReInove the three screws holding the
ing wheel.
horn button retainer base plate (11)
and reInove this plate and horn wire.
(b) ReInove housing side gear cover and
pull out lever shaft (Fig. 8).
(e) ReInove steering wheel nut (10) and
take off steering wheel using a suitable
(c) Loosen claInp collar and reInove jacket
puller.
tube and housing upper cover (Fig. 9).
6. TO INSTALL STEERING WHEEL.
(d) ReInove caIn and tube asseInbly. COIn­
plete with bearings. froIn the housing
(a) Place in correct position on shaft.
Wheel should be installed so that (Fig. 10).
spokes are in shape of a lIy" when
(e)ReInove lever shaft oil seal and clean
seated in driver's s,eat and with front
the counterbore in the gear housing.
wheels straight ahead. This will per­
Initdriver to read instruments through S. REASSEMBLING STEERING GEAR.
the top of steering wheel.
(a) Install new lever shaft oil seal (Fig.
(b) Install steering wheel nut (10) and ll).
tighten securely.
Pos i tion oil seal in hous ing with side
(c) Ins ert horn wire and thread through staInped "FluidSide" towardbottoIn of
hole in cover plate at bottoIn of steer­ counterbore. Using a haInIner, tap
ing gear housing. Attach horn button lightly on the end of a socket wrench
retainer base plate (11) with three or adapter (cold rolled stock) having
screws. a slightly sInaller outside diaIneter
than the oil seal. It is iInportant that
(d) Install contact plates, spring and horn the seal bottoIns in the counterbore of
button. Horn button should be pressed housing.
down and turned until it locks in the
rubber retainers on retainer base (b) Place caIn and tube asseInbly with
plate, using vacuum cups or palIn of bearings in the housing (Fig. 10).
hand.

Collar clamp

Fig. 8 - Removal of housing side gear cover Fig. 9 - Removal of jacket tube and upper hous­
revealing lever shaft ing cover assembly
 Donated by John & Susan Hansen - For Personal Use Only
STEERING GEAR
L-UNE MOTOR TRUCK SERVICE MANUAL Section A
Page 5

Drag Link (Figs. 12, 13, 14)

Front adjusting plug

Housing Ball seat

Front plug Rear adjusting plug

A-22B91
Fig. 12

Fig. 13
This type of drag link requires very little
Fig. 10 - Removing cam and tube assembly with care other than periodical lubrication and occa­
bearings sional inspection to make sure that it is prop­
erlyadjusted. (Figs. 12 and 13).
Steering gear housing
Adjustment is made by removing cotter
pin and turning adjusting plug in the desired
direction. To adjust for wear, turn adjusting
plug in until it is tight, then back off to first
cotter pin hole. Insert a 1l£.:Y:' cotter pin of the
correct size and bend ends over securely.
Drag link should not be adjus ted too tight, other­
wise steering will be affected.
The spring is merely to accommodate wear
and is not intended to act as a cushion against
shock. Fig. 14 shows details of steering gear,
relay link and drag link used on L-190 series
trucks and up.

A-22470

Fig. II Location and installation of lever

shaft oi I seal

(c) Assemble housing upper cover with

shims and make proper bearing ad­
justments.

(d) Install lever shaft in housing and

assembly housing side cover, first
loosening the adjusting screw(Fig. 8).

Draw side cover screws tight.

(e) Adjust lever shaft stud in cam groove

for backlash and lock adjustment with
lock nut.

(f) Assemble jacket tube with clamp col­

lar and tighten clamp.

(g) Install steering wheel, horn cable and Fig. PI Steering gear linkage to front axle
button. for models L-190 series and up
PRINTEO IN UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
 Donated by John & Susan Hansen - For Personal Use Only
STEERING GEAR
Section A L-UNE MOTOR TRUCK SERVICE MANUAL
Page 6

Steering Jacket Tube Bearing

A ball-type steering jacket bearing is used,
improving steering gear performance and ease
of handling. Fig. 15 illustrates this construc­
tion.

Fig. 15 - Showing location of jacket tUbebearing

Special se rvice tools (SE -1164) are avail­

able for this bearing, and are to be used for
installation of a new bearing (see Fig. 16).

o
Arbor
5E-1164-1

Adapter
5E-1164-2

Bearing

Jacket
tube

A·22890

Fig. 16 - Installation of steering gear jacket

tube bearing