Old age= hard steering

S

Steve Rinaldo

Member
We just got home from the Glidden Tour in NY. I seemed to me the steering the car took a lot more effort than before so I have some questions:
I. remember an EZ Steer kit in the past, but I can't find out any current info. Does anyone have contact info?
2. Is there any steering box lube that might help?
3. Would replacing the king pin bearings help and are there better ones to use?
4. Snyder's sells a steering box the uses needle bearings for$600 would it help and is it worth doing?

Thanks, Steve
 
I don’t have any experience with them, but I remember hearing lots of negative comments about the EZ Steer product….others can offer more comments.
 
There are two products with the name of EZ Steer.

The Steering Gear made by John Kovar is a POS and should be avoided at all costs.

The E-Z Steer Kit (offered by Snyder's) is a kit uses special teflon seats against the ball for easier and smoother steering, and is well worth the $36.

Spoken from experience with both products.
 
Putting a shorter pitman arm on the box helps a lot. I'm using a AA arm on my speedster and shortened the arm years ago on my widebed. I believe Snyders sells a new arm that is shorter than stock.
 
My 1953 F-100 steering box steers easy. I just replace the sector part. I am not sure what to call it because it is not an arm. It is a kind of gear mounted on needle bearings. Instead of a sliding action, this part rolls on the steering gear. So the friction is far less. Adjustment is one screw that moves the sector closer to the gear. Plus the steering ratio is lower meaning that again less effort is needed. It is really a clever design.

Make sure the alignment is good. Ford designed the front wheels to turn about the center of the tires. If the caster, camber, toe in, and/or king pin angles are wrong then the car will steer heavy. That includes worn parts leading to the wrong steering geometry.
 
May I suggest you check to see if anything needs adjustment or lubrication before investing in anything else.
 
The above points are all valid and may offer a little easier steering. That being said you will never achieve modern day power steering with 1 finger. Stopped or slow speed full left to right will always require a physically conditioned man and maybe a boys help. Keep it moving (when possible) for easier steering - all things in good mechanical condition may not require the boys help.

John
 
CarlG said:
If someone would make a "bolt on" power steering kit, I'd buy one in a heartbeat.
Click to expand...

That would be nice but I doubt it will ever happen. Costley to design and market too small to get a decent return on the investment. I think it would take away too much engine power which is lacking as is.

John
 
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Steve Rinaldo said:
2. Is there any steering box lube that might help?

4. Snyder's sells a steering box the uses needle bearings for$600 would it help and is it worth doing?
Click to expand...

Lube likely won't help much with steering effort, but the proper lube will keep wear from occurring. Lots of discussions here on steering lube, with Penrite, JD Cornhead grease and other flowing greases getting the most support.

I installed needle bearings, but they replace a bushing, which if lubricated shouldn't increase steering effort. Again, it's about longevity, ease of lubrication, and wear.

As said above, any motion at all makes steering far easier. Even just a slight motion makes a difference. When backing out of the garage and jockeying the car around in tight quarters, I nudge the clutch to creep the car a little as I crank the wheel.
 
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