What happened with my steering?

If driven with no lower plate the outer part of the lower bearing and the race are now probably lying somewhere in the road (or if lucky, in the driveway.)

Mart.
 
Mart said:
If driven with no lower plate the outer part of the lower bearing and the race are now probably lying somewhere in the road (or if lucky, in the driveway.)

Mart.
Click to expand...
That's the funny part, he claims they are still in there!
 
They might still be in there if the steering wheel hitting the mast limited the downward travel of the column/worm, and the outer race was tight in the housing.

But when the plate was refitted, the steering should have reverted to exactly how it was before anything was changed.

If there is still lots of play there is probably something missing.

Mart.
 
I removed the lower steering cover and removed the bearing and retainer to clean everything up before replacing the bearing with new paper shims. Now I can't remember how the bearing looked in place before removing. Does the bearing go in first and then the retainer or does the retainer go first and then the bearing before bolting up the cover plate with lube tube? I can't find any reference on line with pictures. Thanks! Don
 
Your having a fun time! The bearing goes in first then the retainer. The gaskets are critical to getting it set right, you can't just put some in there. Sounds like you need some rebuild information. I would suggest you read up on some of this prior to taking them apart!!!

Well, for some reason I can not upload my rebuild files. Send me a PM with you email address and I will email them to you.
 
1938 Coupe said:
I removed the lower steering cover and removed the bearing and retainer to clean everything up before replacing the bearing with new paper shims. Now I can't remember how the bearing looked in place before removing. Does the bearing go in first and then the retainer or does the retainer go first and then the bearing before bolting up the cover plate with lube tube? I can't find any reference on line with pictures. Thanks! Don
Click to expand...

I don't know if you have seen this on Mac VP's website? If not, it may show more than previous pictures posted.

http://www.vanpeltsales.com/FH_web/FH_images/FH_steeringear-pics/Flathead_SteeringGear_1937-39.jpg
 
It all back together and works like it should. Thanks for all the help from those who chimed in! Not sure what I would have done without the FordBarners.
 
Were you able to pinpoint the cause for the extreme sloppiness? Lots of guesses were bandied about but what was it that really caused the problem?

Glad it's back together.

Mart.
 
Mart said:
Were you able to pinpoint the cause for the extreme sloppiness? Lots of guesses were bandied about but what was it that really caused the problem?

Glad it's back together.

Mart.
Click to expand...
I drove the car without the lower plate being tightened, but did not loose the bearing or shim gaskets....Big NO NO!
 
Ah well, disaster averted and your experience should help others avoid the same mistake.

Mart.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top