| tomlud | -- 07-26-2014 @ 6:58 PM |
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I have a 51 custom deluxe tudor that has some play in the steering wheel. The tie rod ends and king pins and suspension all appear to be good. I regard the steering play as normal for a car this old but a friend of mine has suggested removing the gear box bolt nearest the fender and drilling a hole in to install a grease zerk and then pump mystic grease into the gear box as a way to tighten up the steering. Does this idea have any merit? Any downside to this? Have already tried to adjust the steering box but not much help. Any thoughts much appreciated. Thanks. Tom
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| TomO | -- 07-29-2014 @ 7:41 AM |
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I am not a fan of using chassis grease in the steering box. The gears are designed to use a gear oil and improper lubrication will accelerate any wear. Very seldom will adjusting the steering box without replacing worn parts fix a steering play problem. IMHO it should only be adjusted after a rebuild. I like to check for wear by raising one front wheel on a jack stand and leaving the other one with the weight of the car to hold it stationary. Hold the steering wheel in the straight ahead position and then grab the raised wheel by the front and back and try to turn it left to right. There should be less than 1/16" movement. If there is more, check to see if it is in the tie rods, drag link or steering box and repair or replace any worn parts. Tom
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| supereal | -- 07-29-2014 @ 4:56 PM |
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In addition to Tom's suggestions, pay particular attention to the idler arm in the linkage opposite the steering box. These had a habit of becoming loose, allowing the tie rod to create slack.
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| trjford8 | -- 07-29-2014 @ 5:36 PM |
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Check all the bolts that hold the steering box to the frame. The 49-51 cars had an issue of broken steering box bolts. Those bolts that pass through the frame get rusty and the integrity of the bolt is compromised by the rust. There was a previous article in the V-8 Times regarding these bolts. If you have a broken bolt it will act like play in the steering box. I know two guys who have had this problem. All other advice that has been given is good.
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| 40 Coupe | -- 07-30-2014 @ 4:20 AM |
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Grease will not tighten up the steering. I agree with All the above answers, to your question.
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