steering column removal
 

How do I get the column mount off @ the frame?

I've removed most of the bolts, have 4 that are on the edge but held by something I don't know about...

Re: steering column removal
 

Removing the steering so I can pull the cab off the frame.

Re: steering column removal
 

There are only four bolts TOTAL that hold the steering column in place.

Two at the frame which hold the sector shaft housing to the frame. You'll see the nuts for these on either side of the pitman arm shaft as it comes out on the outside of the drivers side of the frame.

Two others at the gasoline tank lower bracket. These are actually slotted screws and play a minor role in holding the steering column. More to prevent vibration in the hands of the driver.

Technically, you can remove the two upper bolts and the body can be lifted from the frame leaving the steering column behind. The body was originally installed with the steering column in place (ref: assembly line pictures) although the body does require some "snaking" around the column and most modern restorers don't have the headroom or the equipment to do this: most prefer to remove the column before the body.

https://i.pinimg.com/originals/ec/37...71932689e1.jpg
Even removing the four bolts, you'll still have some issues with removing the column. Its probably best (makes more room for maneuvering) if you remove the steering wheel first.

And of course, lest I forget - you want to remove the pitman arm first. But there is a list of items to be removed preparatory to the column removal.

You may have a two-tooth sector unit (later Model A after say early 1929) and are trying to un-bolt and separate the sector shaft housing from the sector housing itself. You will dump a load of lubricant (grease or 600W oil) if you do this - sort of like trying to remove the oil pan on the engine without draining it first.


Hope this helps.


Joe K

Re: steering column removal
 

I have a '30 closed cab pickup...already unbolted from the tank in the cab.

took four bolts out of part at the bottom, seems like it should come off but acts like something is still holding it on. I haven't been too brave with a hammer, yet lol.

Gave up and called it a night.

Re: steering column removal
 

About ready to just take bed off too, and worm the cab off and leave the @!$# steering there. Lol

Working on the cab first anyway... but any ideas appreciated.

Joe K- I haven't removed the pitman arm, didn't look like I needed to. But I started late at night, maybe I wasn't thinking clearly. I'll check it out.

Re: steering column removal
 

Definitely need to remove the pitman arm to pull the steering box. Could you post some pictures of those 4 bolts? I think you may be referring to the 4 nuts that attach the sector housing to the box?


Technically I suppose you could separate the sector housing and the box and pull it that way but I wouldn't want to do it.

Re: steering column removal
 

By removing the 4 bolts on the side of the steering box, you have messed with some of the steering adjustments, so be sure to follow the correct setup procedure in the SERVICE BULLETINS.

Re: steering column removal
 

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...83b68803_z.jpg

You have removed the 4 nuts indicated by the red arrow. These are removed when the column is out of the car to service the sector shaft. Replace them. As Tom states, you will have to readjust the column now using the shop manual instructions once you have the column out of the car.

The pitman arm attaches to the sector shaft indicated by the pink arrow. Remove the pitman arm.

The TWO bolts that hold the column to the frame are indicated by the yellow arrow. Remove these two bolts.

Re: steering column removal
 

Also remove the starter first to give you room to slide it out.

Re: steering column removal
 

Leave the wheel on and the toe board in place. Remove pitman arm, light switch, sector housing and sector, (dump the 600 wt and refill with John Deer Corn grease later), unbolt dash bracket. Maybe remove the starter for clearance. Without the sector and it's housing the column and wheel can be removed through the hole in the toe board and maneuvered out the door easily. Your going to adjust the box later anyway.

If the toe board is out already, that is easier but it does not have to be removed.

Re: steering column removal
 

Ah I think you have to remove the pedals too.

Re: steering column removal
 

Thanks for the replies...my dad came over today and showed me what was what...it was a late night and I should have been in bed lol...

Re: steering column removal
 

You don't have to remove the pedals if the sector and starter are removed. Just saying for future readers.

Removing the starter gives clearance to angle the wheel and column out the door. If you want you can work on the box while in the engine compartment and not touch the light switch or starter. The sector bushings leak from wear and come with the housing repair kit if I remember right. Don't forget the John Deer corn head grease.

Re: steering column removal
 

I am shortly to replace the steering box in my 28 ute for a gemmer or similar. I have been told I must remove the canopy to extract and replace the column. Is this correct? I figure it would be easier to put the motor car on a hoist and remove by lowering it. That is obviously after removing the wheel and controls.
Readers experiences and I've read the input from other readers in this thread could well save me conciderable time and the skin on my knuckles.

Re: steering column removal
 

Just pulled mine yesterday. Pulled the floor and toe boards, starter and pedals to make it easy. Took about an hour and a half.

Re: steering column removal
 

Sometimes the hardest part is removing the steering wheel.

Re: steering column removal
 

It was for me by far. Ended up pulling the box off and then putting the wheel and column in my press, took a lot of force and popped pretty violently but the wheel came out undamaged.

Re: steering column removal
 

Guys do you remove the starter in order to angle the assy. Out the door of a closed car? About to do this on 30 roadster and not sure I need to pull the starter. Given choice if I pull pedals off at least I can jutify that by cleaning them up and lubing shaft.

Re: steering column removal
 

Whether absolutely necessary or not I’m not sure but the starter isn’t hard to remove and it gives you much more working room.

Re: steering column removal
 

Thanks Ryan.