Remove sector needle bearings
 

I’ve been tearing my steering box/column apart over the last few days and to my surprise it had already been converted to needle bearings. The sector, worm and races were shot but everything else was in decent shape :p

The bearings installed are Torrington bearings and seem to be in decent shape but I might want to take them out to make sure. I do want to replace the seal at least, what would be the best way to remove it? I can’t tell if the housing was machined from both ends and the bearings were then pressed from each side or if they were pressed in with a spacer and everything goes in one end? I don’t want to try pressing everything out and inadvertently destroy one of the bearings.

Re: Remove sector needle bearings
 

If they are good now most likely they will be damaged in removing them, the seal should be able to be changed without disturbing the bearings--- what did the shaft on the old sector look like

Re: Remove sector needle bearings
 

It was pitted in the areas of the needle bearings, looked okay in the space in between. It was an original Ford part. Giving it some more thought, I should just change the bearings. The kit is $15 for the bearings and seal. I have a soft spot for Torrington bearings since they were made in the area but I'm sure the right thing is to change the bearings.


That being said, what is the easiest way to get them out?

Re: Remove sector needle bearings
 

I just put mine back the way it came, with the bronze bushing. I figure it will outlast me.

Re: Remove sector needle bearings
 

I would do that but this sector housing was converted to needle bearings so I can't use the bushings.

Re: Remove sector needle bearings
 

They should press straight through
Aftermarket 36 steering sectors usually had bushings to replace the needle bearings ---- they are the needle bearings used to replace bushings on the A
I also have made custom bushings to reuse original sectors that I had ground the shaft slightly undersized--- bought cored round bushing material from industrial supply

Re: Remove sector needle bearings
 

Well then I'll stick it in the press tonight and see if anything pops loose.

Re: Remove sector needle bearings
 

I installed needle bearings in the sector housing of my '30 and do not remember machining the bore. I may be wrong I think they just press right in. I do remember machining the bore for the seal.


Chris W.

Re: Remove sector needle bearings
 

I would fabricate a push tool with a pilot end to help keep things straight going in or out with them. Needle bearings are kind of dainty.

Re: Remove sector needle bearings
 

Well, this sector housing had each end bored and material was left in the middle for each bearing to sit against. I punched them out, the bearings were loose on the sector shaft, I’ll have to see how worn the shaft it.

Re: Remove sector needle bearings
 

I thought my sector was good till I put calipers on it. It was oval. If you think about it, it spends most of its life in relativity straight ahead position and that’s how it was worn.

Re: Remove sector needle bearings
 

If you need a sector housing I can send you one for the cost of shipping.

Re: Remove sector needle bearings
 

I may take you up on that. You are talking about a sector housing that has not been converted to needles correct? I am going to put new needles in the housing I have but if the fit isn't satisfactory I will try the bushings.

Re: Remove sector needle bearings
 

Yes, stock housing. If you need it my phone number is 772 341 8291