Posted By |
Discussion Topic:
STEERING PROBLEM IN MY '36?
-- page:
1
2
|
|
Flatbob |
08-02-2017 @ 11:35 AM
|
|
|
Member
Posts: 437
Joined: Oct 2009
|
Have a '40 rebuilt steering box in my '36 but steering wheel won't stay centered when driving. Have 4 1/2 turns lock to lock and 2 1/4 turns off of center in both directions, steering wheel centered with tires straight ahead, problem occurs when I'm driving in that the the steering wheel won't stay centered, especially after making a hard turn in either direction. When adjusting the steering with the box in the car, never could feel the "bump" when turning steering wheel that confirms correct mesh with worm and sector. So, either the wrong amount of shims installed or the worm is worn out? Would either of these conditions explain steering wheel not staying centered?
|
carcrazy |
08-02-2017 @ 1:26 PM
|
|
|
Senior
Posts: 1656
Joined: Oct 2009
|
One way to insure that the steering wheel will stay centered after making turns is to have enough caster in the front suspension. A general rule is that the more positive caster, the stronger the centering action of the steering. For a 1936 Ford the amount of caster specified in Motor's Auto Repair Manual is +6 3/4 degrees. Note that more caster will require more effort to turn the steering wheel. Everything is a compromise.
|
supereal |
08-03-2017 @ 11:52 AM
|
|
|
Senior
Posts: 6819
Joined: Oct 2009
|
To locate the correct center spot in the steering gear you will have to disconnect the drag link (the part that connects the steering system to the front axle), and turn the steering wheel until you feel the center spot on the shaft worm gear. If you can't feel it, remove the cap and lock on the top of the steering gear and turn the adjustment down slightly, but no more than 1/32 of an inch. If you don't find the center spot, go back and turn the adjustment back where you started, plus 1/32 inch. If the adjustment was turned at sometime in an effort to reduce steering play, that will affect the ability to center. If turned down too much, the worm may be damaged. One you have found the center spot, with the front wheels pointed straight ahead, and the steering gear still in the center spot, adjust the drag link to fit the shaft on the steering gear. If the steering wheel is not in the right orientation, remove it from the shaft and reinstall it in the correct position. Check and fill the steering box to be sure it is properly lubricated. The unit usually leaks over time, and the proximity to the exhaust manifold may have turned the oil to a stiff consistency that wil hinder adjustment.
|
len47merc |
08-03-2017 @ 12:09 PM
|
|
|
Senior
Posts: 1165
Joined: Oct 2013
|
That is a great post and process description Bob - thanks for your reply!
Steve
|
Flatbob |
08-03-2017 @ 5:03 PM
|
|
|
Member
Posts: 437
Joined: Oct 2009
|
Thanks for the help Super. So, with all the shims removed and and adjusting screw turned to the point of contact with worm and sector I should feel a bump? I now have shims installed but with the screw all the way in plus 1/8 turn or so I feel nothing. Remove shims and try again or is this worm shot?
|
supereal |
08-04-2017 @ 1:46 PM
|
|
|
Senior
Posts: 6819
Joined: Oct 2009
|
Having all the shims out and turning the adjustment all the way down leads me to believe the worm gear and/or the bearings are at fault. C&G (800/266-o470) will rebuild the box for you. Cost depends on the year, model, and diagnosis of the problem. As it is a tricky job, it is best left to the pros.
|
autoluke |
08-08-2017 @ 8:01 AM
|
|
|
Member
Posts: 86
Joined: Jul 2017
|
Also in my '41 Had the "new"car out for a road test, and noticed at least a 30 degree swing in the wheel, which caused me to check the adjusting screw. After realizing that turning the screw clockwise created very little improvement, I pulled the lower cover plate to examine the bearing. No shims are present, BUT did find a few pieces of what I believe to be from the worm gear. Now on to removing the entire steering box .. Phil
|
autoluke |
08-11-2017 @ 2:44 AM
|
|
|
Member
Posts: 86
Joined: Jul 2017
|
Looking for a reputable shop to rebuilt the steering box. Anyone in the Northeast ?
|
autoluke |
08-11-2017 @ 2:48 AM
|
|
|
Member
Posts: 86
Joined: Jul 2017
|
ERROR ..to "rebuild" the steering box.
|
woodiewagon46 |
08-11-2017 @ 8:32 AM
|
|
|
Senior
Posts: 699
Joined: Nov 2012
|
There is a company that advertises in the AACA magazine called Lares Corp. They advertise all sorts of steering components. I don't know if they rebuild steering boxes though. They are located in Minnesota I believe, so that might be a closer option for you. www.larescorp.com, 1888-287-0225.
|