The Ford Barn

JoeCB · 08-08-2024, 02:55 PM

I have considerable up and down play in my steering sector shaft, (2 tooth - 1931 Coupe). Question...is it possible to remove the shaft and shaft housing from the gear box with the steering column still in the car? It looks like, if I remove the starter, there should be enough room to remove the steering box, roll it over and remove the shaft and housing. Help ?
I understand that removing the entire steering column from a coupe is a challenge.

Joe B

Thodge · 08-08-2024, 06:37 PM

I can’t give you any advice on removing the box, as I haven’t needed to do that on mine yet but have you adjusted the sector shaft endplay yet? I had quite a bit of up and down movement in mine to the point that I thought it might need a rebuild, but adjusting the end play tightened it right up.

ursus · 08-08-2024, 11:45 PM

I removed and adjusted the steering/steering column on my '31 coupe. It takes a bit of contortion to remove and replace but it can be done. Be sure to add in various materials to cushion against any scrapes or abrasions on the way out and back in. It helps to have another helper on one end or the other.

Brentwood Bob · 08-08-2024, 11:56 PM

Extra pair of hands! The 4th adjustment covered in the service bulletins is done on the bench.

Ray64 · 08-09-2024, 05:55 AM

I removed the complete steering assembly from my 30 coupe . Was not all that easy but got it done by myself. I am pretty sure i removed the wheel first.

nkaminar · 08-09-2024, 06:29 AM

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

To work on the steering box, it needs to be out of the car. Follow instructions in Red Book.

Jim/GA · 08-09-2024, 07:55 AM

I have seen this on vehicles. You turn the steering wheel left and right and the pitman arm and sector shaft move a very noticable amount. The column needs to come out to repair it properly.

Take the column out through the driver's door. I have done it with the horn rod and wheel still on. Get a helper. Of course the flloorboards are out. You can remove the clutch and brake pedals to really get more room to work.

Let us know what you find. I suspect you will find needle bearings in there that have worn and become loose.

JoeCB · 08-10-2024, 05:48 PM

Thank you all for the guidance. I'll mull over a plan of attack... maybe for this winter's project
Joe B

08-08-2024, 02:55 PM	#1
JoeCB Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2018 Location: Farmington MI Posts: 366	Steering sector shaft loose I have considerable up and down play in my steering sector shaft, (2 tooth - 1931 Coupe). Question...is it possible to remove the shaft and shaft housing from the gear box with the steering column still in the car? It looks like, if I remove the starter, there should be enough room to remove the steering box, roll it over and remove the shaft and housing. Help ? I understand that removing the entire steering column from a coupe is a challenge. Joe B

08-08-2024, 06:37 PM	#2
Thodge Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2024 Location: Northwest CT Posts: 225	Re: Steering sector shaft loose I can’t give you any advice on removing the box, as I haven’t needed to do that on mine yet but have you adjusted the sector shaft endplay yet? I had quite a bit of up and down movement in mine to the point that I thought it might need a rebuild, but adjusting the end play tightened it right up.

08-08-2024, 11:45 PM	#3
ursus Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Oregon Posts: 1,462	Re: Steering sector shaft loose I removed and adjusted the steering/steering column on my '31 coupe. It takes a bit of contortion to remove and replace but it can be done. Be sure to add in various materials to cushion against any scrapes or abrasions on the way out and back in. It helps to have another helper on one end or the other.

08-08-2024, 11:56 PM	#4
Brentwood Bob Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: brentwood, ca Posts: 4,420	Re: Steering sector shaft loose Extra pair of hands! The 4th adjustment covered in the service bulletins is done on the bench.

08-09-2024, 05:55 AM	#5
Ray64 Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Grafton,OHIO Posts: 755	Re: Steering sector shaft loose I removed the complete steering assembly from my 30 coupe . Was not all that easy but got it done by myself. I am pretty sure i removed the wheel first.

08-09-2024, 06:29 AM	#6
nkaminar Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Western North Carolina Posts: 5,863	Re: Steering sector shaft loose Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) To work on the steering box, it needs to be out of the car. Follow instructions in Red Book. __________________ A is for apple, green as the sky. Step on the gas, for tomorrow I die. Forget the brakes, they really don't work. The clutch always sticks, and starts with a jerk. My car grows red hair, and flies through the air. Driving's a blast, a blast from the past.

08-09-2024, 07:55 AM	#7
Jim/GA Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Young Harris, GA Posts: 1,964	Re: Steering sector shaft loose I have seen this on vehicles. You turn the steering wheel left and right and the pitman arm and sector shaft move a very noticable amount. The column needs to come out to repair it properly. Take the column out through the driver's door. I have done it with the horn rod and wheel still on. Get a helper. Of course the flloorboards are out. You can remove the clutch and brake pedals to really get more room to work. Let us know what you find. I suspect you will find needle bearings in there that have worn and become loose. __________________ Jim Cannon Former MAFCA Technical Director "Spread the Joy! Have a Model A day!"

08-10-2024, 05:48 PM	#8
JoeCB Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2018 Location: Farmington MI Posts: 366	Re: Steering sector shaft loose Thank you all for the guidance. I'll mull over a plan of attack... maybe for this winter's project Joe B