35-36 Steering Problem

Trelpdx

Trelpdx

Senior Member
Guys,

Finally got the 35 on the road and I have some type of steering problem. This project was a multi-year ground up restoration that I purchase as project, so I have no history on how the steering was before. When the front wheels are off the ground, the wheels turn freely side to side. When the front wheels are on the ground, it is very tough to steer and it sticks in position when cornering. I know these cars are manual steering and that they like to be moving to turn etc., but I don't understand why it's sticking in the corners. I've tried to adjust the worm gear adjustment but that didn't help. I didn't replace the bearings in the steering box because it seemed to turn fine out of the car. Maybe that's it. Any suggestions?

Thanks much,
Peder
 
Yes it does. Here is a pic of the top and bottom of the bearing. You may have to add one or more shims to the bottom of the bearing. Easy test. If you can turn the bearing with the car on the ground then shims are needed to put the weight on the bearing. Ed
 

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The bearings are fine. It feels like there is friction in the steering column. I put the old rubber bushing back in at the top of the column. Do you suppose that's it. I've heard of guys using a timkin bearing there instead. Any thoughts?
 
Did you have the box apart? Do you know how to adjust the load on the worm gear with the number of shims if you did? Just doing through ideas here. Unless there is something seriously wrong with the box, I would think the problem is more likely elsewhere. If it turns ok with the wheels lifted up then I would start looking at the other suspension parts like the king pins, bearings, etc.
 
My 36 does that if all the lube leaks out of the box. What lube are you using and how much is in it?
 
I never did have the box apart. Probably should have replaced the bearings while I had it out of the car. I've done about all the adjustments in the book. I'm thinking it's in the box. When I disconnect the pitman arm the wheels and tie rods move nice and freely. I checked toe in and it's 1/16". I was told to pack the box with wheel bearing grease so that's what I did a long time ago. Yesterday I put a bunch of STP in it and it got better but still not right. I think I may end up pulling it out. Any tricks to pulling bearings out?

Thanks,
Peder
 
If you aren't going for 100% originality, a 37-38 box is a better design and will steer easier. There are several threads here about how to swap one into a 35-36, I have one going in mine soon.
 
The bearing grease was not a good idea and might be at lease part of the problem. It is to heavy, needs to be something that flows. It would be somewhat like packing the rear end with bearing grease. I have heard good things about STP in the steering boxes. How did you get the bearing grease in there if you didn't have it apart? Did you stuff it through the fill hole? That's a shame that someone gave you that bad advice. Wonder if your just not able to get enough of the STP in there and it's just going to the bottom. Might see if you can get any of the grease out and more STP in and see what happens. Most likely the grease has caused a lot of ware on the worm gear, but might want to attempt to get it out and the STP in before you give up on it.
 
Yea I see that bearing grease was not the right answer to begin with. Since putting in the STP the problem has improved about 75%. I think I'll drive it for awhile and see if it continues to get better. If not, I'll pull the box out. Thanks for everyone's help.

Peder
 
What yoyo says; Even with the improved lubricity of your newly found steering box lubricant, you'll still have to steer it out of corners; a 35 box will not return to centre by itself. The 37 and later steering boxes are redesigned with a worm and roller, instead of worm and sector, and will self centre. That is why fitting a 37 or later box into a 35-36 is like fitting power steering, try it, you'll like it!
 
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