57 Ford man.steering column-steering wheel gap?

Jeff Norwell

Jeff Norwell

Senior Member
Hey Guys.. have a question.
I was noticing on my steering column, and steering wheel(300) that the gap between the wheel and the column has a large gap.
I checked an old unit and the gap seems to be the same.
Place the wheel on and tighten down... the nut only goes so far and is basically flush with the steering shaft it goes onto.
checked the old unit in the corner and its the same.
Was wondering if the "gap" should be closer and tighter?
Maybe I am over thinking all this.. but also....
There is a spring in a FORD- O-MATIC column (pn3520) which doesn't seem to be present in a 3 speed man. column.
I have it mine and have taken it out and put it back in.... seems to have no effect on anything.
Am I wrong on this?

I can simply loosen all the hardware on the column and move forward about 1/4 inch.... But I am not sure it will make any difference.(to try and tighten the gap)


I will attach pics.....
looking for clarity/


My Column and wheel in the car.
 

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The stock unit in the parts pile.... uncracked and its a FORD-O-MATIC unit.
 

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Pics of the Ford Manuel showing a FORD-O-MATIC column and a standard 3 speed man. column.
 

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My 58 is long gone so I have nothing to look at, doesn't the outer jacket just slide up after loosening the body clamps/hold down.
 
5851a said:
My 58 is long gone so I have nothing to look at, doesn't the outer jacket just slide up after loosening the body clamps/hold down.
Click to expand...


It does and that's not a problem...I just don't have any ref other than the old auto column in the shop.. and the question of that spring....PN3520... which is in an auto column and not a Manuel column.... I just can't seem to find a ref. for it in several Manuels I have.

At the moment.I have the spring in my man. column and it doesn't seem to affect anything... except keeping the centre collar in place.(pn3518)
 
The steering shaft is solid to the box and the wheel is tight to the shaft, if nothing in the signal switch is going to be damaged I would try sliding it up a bit on your spare and see what happens.
 
All 3 of my auto columns have the spring. My original wagon is a 3 on the tree and has a gap of .090. I popped the wheel off and it has the same spring. Pretty sure it did. Its is for holding the center collar tight in the bearing.
 
Well... it only took 10-15 minutes to slide the complete shaft into place.. and it helped even more with a friend helping..... that spring wants to keep the shaft away from the gap..... anyhow,...... loosened all, set it,... and its now a 3/16 like factory.
I just found it funny there was no spring diagram on on the man. columns. only the Ford O matic diagrams.
thanks all!
 
Put the spring back in between the split ring on top of the column bearing and bottom of the wheel. That spring keeps the steering wheel centered in the hub and if that spring is missing, The steering shaft will rub up against the oil tube in the steering gearbox and cause leakage at the center.
Here's how to adjust the gap between bottom of wheel and top of hub:
Loosen and remove the turn-signal wiring conduit aqlongside the steering column and let the wiring hang temporarily. Slightly loosen the steering column mount bracket under the dash to permit the column tube to slide upward.
Get under the hood and loosen the clamp at the base of the serring column tube. Use a tire-tool to pry against the back of the steering gearbox and push the steering tube upward till it closes the gap between wheel and hub. (This will be somewhat difficult, since that spring is pushing the steering column down). While you hold it where you want it, have someone else quickly tighten the clamp so it will hold. Go back inside the car and straighten out your steering column mount under the dash so it is at a 90 degree angle with the dash mounting surface (which is at a slant, but you should be able to judge it with an eagle eye). You may need to slide the clamp back down a litrtle bit. Tighten the clamp. Put your wiring conduit back on.
Note: Ford Fordomatic equipped vehicles, the gear selector needle screw will need to be loosened and adjusted so it will fit within the trim cover space.
 
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