The Ford Barn

CB919ER · 02-06-2018, 10:45 AM

I've driven cars without power steering before and I've never had a problem. I know the steering is quite heavy when the car isn't moving, but it always seemed to get easier once going,

I drove my car home yesterday from Seymour, TN back to Soddy-Daisy, and there were a couple times on some back roads it was all I could do to get the car to turn. Also, it feels as if the steering is sticking and not wanting to return to center. I can turn the wheel in a corner and let go and the steering will stay where I let go.

Is this normal? or is there something else I need to be looking into. I checked my Mechanics handbook for help with possible lubrication of the steering system but didn't have much luck. I probably over looked it somewhere.

Thanks for any help/advice.

Barry B./ Ma. · 02-06-2018, 10:55 AM

Check your toe in and the kingpin thrust bearings should be taking the load and is the steering bax adjusted properly ? You might consider the teflon rod bushings for the steering arms.

SeaSlugs · 02-06-2018, 11:01 AM

Sounds like your entire steering system needs looked over and at minimum greased. Castor could be all outa whack as well. Should drive pretty much like a modern car without power steering.

Jim Brierley · 02-06-2018, 11:29 AM

Check all steering components but sounds like a dry, or worse, gear box.

3.6rs · 02-06-2018, 11:38 AM

You are getting older and your arm muscles aren't what they used to be...

BILL WILLIAMSON · 02-06-2018, 11:50 AM

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

Most HARD steering is just WHAT it IS!!! Returning to center by ITSELF, is very RARE!--It's just an Old Design, HIGH EFFORT Steering.
Bill W.

CB919ER · 02-06-2018, 12:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim Brierley

Check all steering components but sounds like a dry, or worse, gear box.

I'm looking over my lubrication chart and will probably start hitting all the points tomorrow night

Quote:

Originally Posted by 3.6rs

You are getting older and your arm muscles aren't what they used to be...

I'm only 36, I'm probably one of the youngest guys on here. (I'm aware that you are joking and being sarcastic)

[/QUOTE]

Y-Blockhead · 02-06-2018, 12:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CB919ER

I've driven cars without power steering before and I've never had a problem. I know the steering is quite heavy when the car isn't moving, but it always seemed to get easier once going.

I drove my car home yesterday from Seymour...

Is this something that just happened? If so, as other have stated you need to check your steering adjustments and lubrication.

Don't start installing Teflon bushings or shortened pitman arms before rectifying the problems.

Quote:

Originally Posted by CB919ER

Also, it feels as if the steering is sticking....

Sounds like your steering box needs adjustment or oil (not uncommon).

CB919ER · 02-06-2018, 12:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Y-Blockhead

Is this something that just happened? If so, as other have stated you need to check your steering adjustments and lubrication.

Don't start installing Teflon bushings or shortened pitman arms before rectifying the problems.

Sounds like your steering box needs adjustment or oil (not uncommon).

That was only the second time I'd ever driving the car. It's be garaged for 20ish years.

3.6rs · 02-06-2018, 12:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CB919ER

...

I'm only 36, I'm probably one of the youngest guys on here. (I'm aware that you are joking and being sarcastic)

[/QUOTE]

I don't know if you are the youngest. At age 99 they start counting from 1 again on this forum. Only 2 digits...
So if someone started all over let hear from you !

WHN · 02-06-2018, 12:22 PM

In our 29 with a completely restored front end, when car is moving, you can drive with one hand.

I would start with a good grease job, if you can with high pressure lub gun.

Not knowing cars history but reading your notes. I would be leaning towards a group of things that might need attention.

Rebuilt suspension, front end, and brakes, must be correct. They all work together, very important.

V4F · 02-06-2018, 12:28 PM

be sure to pack front wheel bearings also

JDupuis · 02-06-2018, 12:34 PM

CB919ER, I know exactly what you are talking about.
Check the steering box for oil. My 31 did the same while out on a drive one time. The oil had simply dripped out over time. Good Luck.
Great to have a young guy in our presence.

. Jeff

CB919ER · 02-06-2018, 12:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 3.6rs

I don't know if you are the youngest. At age 99 they start counting from 1 again on this forum. Only 2 digits...
So if someone started all over let hear from you !

touché good sir!

Quote:

Originally Posted by WHN

In our 29 with a completely restored front end, when car is moving, you can drive with one hand.

I would start with a good grease job, if you can with high pressure lub gun.

Not knowing cars history but reading your notes. I would be leaning towards a group of things that might need attention.

Rebuilt suspension, front end, and brakes, must be correct. They all work together, very important.

I'll pick up a grease gun on my way home and lube everything I can. I see in my book that I'm supposed to us "Ford Special steering gear lubricate" in the steering box. Where can I get this stuff or what else can I use. I'm trying to take care of the car and do things right as much as possible.

txkhog · 02-06-2018, 12:51 PM

King pins are also a major concern if setting for a while. now you are turning on metal to metal with a very serious load

CB919ER · 02-06-2018, 12:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by txkhog

King pins are also a major concern if setting for a while. now you are turning on metal to metal with a very serious load

is there a trick to lubricating these? or am I pulling the spindle off?

Y-Blockhead · 02-06-2018, 01:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CB919ER

I'm only 36, I'm probably one of the youngest guys on here. (I'm aware that you are joking and being sarcastic)

Unfortunately that's as good as you get from some...

1931 flamingo · 02-06-2018, 01:22 PM

Get a copy of the Red Book. It will answer many questions. For the steering box, get some PennRite steering box lube (NO leakee). Is there a local club near you?? Someone from it would probably be happy to help you out.
Paul in CT

CB919ER · 02-06-2018, 01:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1931 flamingo

Get a copy of the Red Book. It will answer many questions. For the steering box, get some PennRite steering box lube (NO leakee). Is there a local club near you?? Someone from it would probably be happy to help you out.
Paul in CT

I've got the redbook, It's a wonderful tool to help.

CB919ER · 02-06-2018, 03:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JDupuis

CB919ER, I know exactly what you are talking about.
Check the steering box for oil. My 31 did the same while out on a drive one time. The oil had simply dripped out over time. Good Luck.
Great to have a young guy in our presence.

. Jeff

That's going to be my first step, that and hitting all the lube points with a grease gun.

I guess it's rare to have a guy my age with an interest in classic cars like the Model A, and T, without building them into hotrod.

02-06-2018, 10:45 AM	#1
CB919ER Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2016 Location: Chattanooga, TN Posts: 114	heavy steering I've driven cars without power steering before and I've never had a problem. I know the steering is quite heavy when the car isn't moving, but it always seemed to get easier once going, I drove my car home yesterday from Seymour, TN back to Soddy-Daisy, and there were a couple times on some back roads it was all I could do to get the car to turn. Also, it feels as if the steering is sticking and not wanting to return to center. I can turn the wheel in a corner and let go and the steering will stay where I let go. Is this normal? or is there something else I need to be looking into. I checked my Mechanics handbook for help with possible lubrication of the steering system but didn't have much luck. I probably over looked it somewhere. Thanks for any help/advice.

02-06-2018, 10:55 AM	#2
Barry B./ Ma. Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Southbridge, Ma. Posts: 1,614	Re: heavy steering Check your toe in and the kingpin thrust bearings should be taking the load and is the steering bax adjusted properly ? You might consider the teflon rod bushings for the steering arms.

02-06-2018, 11:01 AM	#3
SeaSlugs Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Central, IL Posts: 3,968	Re: heavy steering Sounds like your entire steering system needs looked over and at minimum greased. Castor could be all outa whack as well. Should drive pretty much like a modern car without power steering. __________________ 1929 Model AA - Need long splash aprons!

02-06-2018, 11:29 AM	#4
Jim Brierley Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Temecula, CA Posts: 4,321	Re: heavy steering Check all steering components but sounds like a dry, or worse, gear box.

02-06-2018, 11:38 AM	#5
3.6rs Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Belgistan (formerly known as Belgium) Posts: 573	Re: heavy steering You are getting older and your arm muscles aren't what they used to be...

02-06-2018, 11:50 AM	#6
BILL WILLIAMSON Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: FRESNO, CA Posts: 12,560	Re: heavy steering Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) Most HARD steering is just WHAT it IS!!! Returning to center by ITSELF, is very RARE!--It's just an Old Design, HIGH EFFORT Steering. Bill W. __________________ "THE ASSISTANT GURU OF STUFF"

02-06-2018, 12:22 PM	#11
WHN Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2017 Location: Connecticut Shoreline Posts: 2,066	Re: heavy steering In our 29 with a completely restored front end, when car is moving, you can drive with one hand. I would start with a good grease job, if you can with high pressure lub gun. Not knowing cars history but reading your notes. I would be leaning towards a group of things that might need attention. Rebuilt suspension, front end, and brakes, must be correct. They all work together, very important.

02-06-2018, 12:28 PM	#12
V4F Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: ca. Posts: 2,524	Re: heavy steering be sure to pack front wheel bearings also __________________ V4f

02-06-2018, 12:34 PM	#13
JDupuis Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2017 Location: Maryhill Ont Canada Posts: 834	Re: heavy steering CB919ER, I know exactly what you are talking about. Check the steering box for oil. My 31 did the same while out on a drive one time. The oil had simply dripped out over time. Good Luck. Great to have a young guy in our presence. . Jeff __________________ Let's let pylons, be pylons!

02-06-2018, 12:51 PM	#15
txkhog Member Join Date: Nov 2015 Location: Texarkana, TX Posts: 61	Re: heavy steering King pins are also a major concern if setting for a while. now you are turning on metal to metal with a very serious load

02-06-2018, 01:22 PM	#18
1931 flamingo Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: new britain,ct 06052 Posts: 9,428	Re: heavy steering Get a copy of the Red Book. It will answer many questions. For the steering box, get some PennRite steering box lube (NO leakee). Is there a local club near you?? Someone from it would probably be happy to help you out. Paul in CT