The Ford Barn

ScubaChief60 · 11-07-2024, 06:58 AM

Hello all... in my fine tuning of my '35 restoration... I am now planning to try to tackle some play in my steering wheel which I imagine is from my steering gearbox. It has the John Deere 'corn head grease' in it and works very smoothly. It has about four inches of travel in the steering wheel before anything happens with the steering. I see on top on the gearbox what I am hoping is an adjustment to tighten it all up.

Drag link and tie rods all are perfect with no play. Tie rod ends replaced and alignment done. It drives well but would be much better without any steering wheel play.

But before breaking anything I am asking all of you. Thanks!

glennpm · 11-07-2024, 07:24 AM

Sounds like you're all set except for the steering box. The two articles attached will help there.

Terry,OH · 11-07-2024, 07:50 AM

The adjustment on top of the box is to eliminate any in or out play of the sector shaft. Depending upon where the play exist in the box there are three adjustments. The one mentioned above. If the column moves up or down the least bit, the adjustment is gaskets between the box and the collar around the bottom of the steering shaft. On the bottom of the box is an adjustment with one off-set wedge that can move the sector closer to the worm. If you have wear in the bearings or races, bushings or metal internal parts. It can be impossible to eliminate all the play, plus a small amount of play in the center of the steering is good.

ScubaChief60 · 11-07-2024, 08:02 AM

You all are the best! I will attempt the adjustemnts today and will respond with results. Have a great day!

ScubaChief60 · 11-07-2024, 11:19 AM

In a few words it worked and is great now. Very little play.

Made the adjustment by lifting both front wheels off the ground,
dropping the drag link by the connection to the Pittman arm,
then spinning the steering wheel all the way to the left to dead stop and then just a bit back to the right,
tightened the adjusting screw clockwise just a bit and reassembled.

It is so much better. Just had a great test ride about five miles.

Mission accomplished

glennpm · 11-07-2024, 12:40 PM

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Good!

11-07-2024, 06:58 AM	#1
ScubaChief60 Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2023 Location: Summerfield, NC Posts: 228	1935 Fordor - play in steering wheel. Adjustable? Hello all... in my fine tuning of my '35 restoration... I am now planning to try to tackle some play in my steering wheel which I imagine is from my steering gearbox. It has the John Deere 'corn head grease' in it and works very smoothly. It has about four inches of travel in the steering wheel before anything happens with the steering. I see on top on the gearbox what I am hoping is an adjustment to tighten it all up. Drag link and tie rods all are perfect with no play. Tie rod ends replaced and alignment done. It drives well but would be much better without any steering wheel play. But before breaking anything I am asking all of you. Thanks!

11-07-2024, 07:50 AM	#3
Terry,OH Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 5,186	Re: 1935 Fordor - play in steering wheel. Adjustable? The adjustment on top of the box is to eliminate any in or out play of the sector shaft. Depending upon where the play exist in the box there are three adjustments. The one mentioned above. If the column moves up or down the least bit, the adjustment is gaskets between the box and the collar around the bottom of the steering shaft. On the bottom of the box is an adjustment with one off-set wedge that can move the sector closer to the worm. If you have wear in the bearings or races, bushings or metal internal parts. It can be impossible to eliminate all the play, plus a small amount of play in the center of the steering is good. Last edited by Terry,OH; 11-07-2024 at 07:56 AM.

11-07-2024, 08:02 AM	#4
ScubaChief60 Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2023 Location: Summerfield, NC Posts: 228	Re: 1935 Fordor - play in steering wheel. Adjustable? You all are the best! I will attempt the adjustemnts today and will respond with results. Have a great day!

11-07-2024, 11:19 AM	#5
ScubaChief60 Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2023 Location: Summerfield, NC Posts: 228	Re: 1935 Fordor - play in steering wheel. Adjustable? In a few words it worked and is great now. Very little play. Made the adjustment by lifting both front wheels off the ground, dropping the drag link by the connection to the Pittman arm, then spinning the steering wheel all the way to the left to dead stop and then just a bit back to the right, tightened the adjusting screw clockwise just a bit and reassembled. It is so much better. Just had a great test ride about five miles. Mission accomplished

11-07-2024, 12:40 PM	#6
glennpm Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2014 Location: Mid-Coast Maine Posts: 2,815	Re: 1935 Fordor - play in steering wheel. Adjustable? Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) Good!