1941 steering

John Voelkel

John Voelkel

Member
I have a 1941 Ford with a strange feel to the steering.
I have adjusted the steering box per the shop manual
and is feels proper but sometimes there seems to be a
gap between the steering feeling good between left
and right. It is not there all the time but when I am
driving and it hits this spot it feel like there is no steering.
I am confused at what to look for because it in not there
all the time. Has anyone any idea as to what the problem
could be?

Thanks
John
 
I had the same feeling with my '38 Ford Club Coupe at one time. To me it felt like the tie rods were worn out.
I took it to a mechanical brake class for Early V-8 Enthusasts to demonstrate mechanical brake repair. When we reassembled the drums and wheels with the proper troque and preload the problem was cured.
Someone previous to me owning the car had not properly torqued the front hubs.
I would start there First. Mark
 
Jack up one front wheel and check for side to side play in the front end. Then check for top to bottom play. There should be very little movement in either direction.
 
I wonder if you might have a chunk out of the sector roller. It's ok when that bit is not touching the worm, but goes sloppy when the chunk comes round and creates more play at the worm.
Just a wild guess. Could you take the top right off the box and have a look?
Mart.
 
Thanks to all for the replys.

I will try the easiest first by checking the torque on the
axle nuts. About five years ago I rebuilt the front end
with new tie rod ends, drag link and new king pins. It may
be a problem with a piece out of the steering gear and that
will be the next check if adjusting the torque on the wheel
nuts does not cure the situation.

Thanks for the help

John
 
love your 41! Hopefully some day maybe mine will be on the road.I tore my 41 box down a couple of months ago.It seemed pretty decent until then.The sector shaft and bushing were worn and upper roller was worn.I prived the parts to properly repair...wow,no thanks! have fun with that 41 for me!
 
There shouldn't be a "torque" as such on the front spindle nuts. They should be just snug enough to limit free play on the wheel.

Mart.
 
Mart, thanks. I did not think there was a specific torque but I did look.
My usual way was to torque the nut tight and then back off a bit enough
to get the cotter pin into the next opening in the castle nut.

John
 
The wheel bearings just slide on the spindle. Tightening them just puts load on the bearings. You can easily lock up the bearings so they no longer turn on the rollers and just turns on the spndle. Just take the play out and don't tighten them down.
 
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