heavy steering

CB919ER

CB919ER

Senior Member
I've driven cars without power steering before and I've never had a problem. I know the steering is quite heavy when the car isn't moving, but it always seemed to get easier once going,

I drove my car home yesterday from Seymour, TN back to Soddy-Daisy, and there were a couple times on some back roads it was all I could do to get the car to turn. Also, it feels as if the steering is sticking and not wanting to return to center. I can turn the wheel in a corner and let go and the steering will stay where I let go.

Is this normal? or is there something else I need to be looking into. I checked my Mechanics handbook for help with possible lubrication of the steering system but didn't have much luck. I probably over looked it somewhere.

Thanks for any help/advice.
 
Check your toe in and the kingpin thrust bearings should be taking the load and is the steering bax adjusted properly ? You might consider the teflon rod bushings for the steering arms.
 
Sounds like your entire steering system needs looked over and at minimum greased. Castor could be all outa whack as well. Should drive pretty much like a modern car without power steering.
 
Most HARD steering is just WHAT it IS!!! Returning to center by ITSELF, is very RARE!--It's just an Old Design, HIGH EFFORT Steering.
Bill W.
 
Jim Brierley said:
Check all steering components but sounds like a dry, or worse, gear box.
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I'm looking over my lubrication chart and will probably start hitting all the points tomorrow night

3.6rs said:
You are getting older and your arm muscles aren't what they used to be...
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I'm only 36, I'm probably one of the youngest guys on here. (I'm aware that you are joking and being sarcastic)

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CB919ER said:
I've driven cars without power steering before and I've never had a problem. I know the steering is quite heavy when the car isn't moving, but it always seemed to get easier once going.

I drove my car home yesterday from Seymour...
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Is this something that just happened? If so, as other have stated you need to check your steering adjustments and lubrication.

Don't start installing Teflon bushings or shortened pitman arms before rectifying the problems.

CB919ER said:
Also, it feels as if the steering is sticking....
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Sounds like your steering box needs adjustment or oil (not uncommon).
 
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Y-Blockhead said:
Is this something that just happened? If so, as other have stated you need to check your steering adjustments and lubrication.

Don't start installing Teflon bushings or shortened pitman arms before rectifying the problems.



Sounds like your steering box needs adjustment or oil (not uncommon).
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That was only the second time I'd ever driving the car. It's be garaged for 20ish years.
 
CB919ER said:
...

I'm only 36, I'm probably one of the youngest guys on here. (I'm aware that you are joking and being sarcastic)
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I don't know if you are the youngest. At age 99 they start counting from 1 again on this forum. Only 2 digits...
So if someone started all over let hear from you !
 
In our 29 with a completely restored front end, when car is moving, you can drive with one hand.

I would start with a good grease job, if you can with high pressure lub gun.

Not knowing cars history but reading your notes. I would be leaning towards a group of things that might need attention.

Rebuilt suspension, front end, and brakes, must be correct. They all work together, very important.
 
CB919ER, I know exactly what you are talking about.
Check the steering box for oil. My 31 did the same while out on a drive one time. The oil had simply dripped out over time. Good Luck.
Great to have a young guy in our presence. :). Jeff
 
3.6rs said:
I don't know if you are the youngest. At age 99 they start counting from 1 again on this forum. Only 2 digits...
So if someone started all over let hear from you !
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touché good sir!

WHN said:
In our 29 with a completely restored front end, when car is moving, you can drive with one hand.

I would start with a good grease job, if you can with high pressure lub gun.

Not knowing cars history but reading your notes. I would be leaning towards a group of things that might need attention.

Rebuilt suspension, front end, and brakes, must be correct. They all work together, very important.
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I'll pick up a grease gun on my way home and lube everything I can. I see in my book that I'm supposed to us "Ford Special steering gear lubricate" in the steering box. Where can I get this stuff or what else can I use. I'm trying to take care of the car and do things right as much as possible.
 
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King pins are also a major concern if setting for a while. now you are turning on metal to metal with a very serious load
 
Get a copy of the Red Book. It will answer many questions. For the steering box, get some PennRite steering box lube (NO leakee). Is there a local club near you?? Someone from it would probably be happy to help you out.
Paul in CT
 
1931 flamingo said:
Get a copy of the Red Book. It will answer many questions. For the steering box, get some PennRite steering box lube (NO leakee). Is there a local club near you?? Someone from it would probably be happy to help you out.
Paul in CT
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I've got the redbook, It's a wonderful tool to help.
 
JDupuis said:
CB919ER, I know exactly what you are talking about.
Check the steering box for oil. My 31 did the same while out on a drive one time. The oil had simply dripped out over time. Good Luck.
Great to have a young guy in our presence. :). Jeff
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That's going to be my first step, that and hitting all the lube points with a grease gun.

I guess it's rare to have a guy my age with an interest in classic cars like the Model A, and T, without building them into hotrod.
 
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