Go Back   The Ford Barn > General Discussion > Model A (1928-31)

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
Old 01-06-2020, 09:52 PM   #1
ryanheacox
Senior Member
 
ryanheacox's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: Northwest CT
Posts: 1,092
Default 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

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.
ryanheacox is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-06-2020, 11:04 PM   #2
Kurt in NJ
Senior Member
 
Kurt in NJ's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: on the Littlefield
Posts: 6,140
Default 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
Kurt in NJ is offline   Reply With Quote
Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)
Old 01-07-2020, 07:41 AM   #3
ryanheacox
Senior Member
 
ryanheacox's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: Northwest CT
Posts: 1,092
Default 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?
ryanheacox is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-07-2020, 11:59 AM   #4
David R.
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Aug 2016
Location: West Virginia
Posts: 430
Default Re: Remove sector needle bearings

I just put mine back the way it came, with the bronze bushing. I figure it will outlast me.
David R. is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-07-2020, 01:03 PM   #5
ryanheacox
Senior Member
 
ryanheacox's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: Northwest CT
Posts: 1,092
Default 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.
ryanheacox is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-07-2020, 01:36 PM   #6
Kurt in NJ
Senior Member
 
Kurt in NJ's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: on the Littlefield
Posts: 6,140
Default Re: Remove sector needle bearings

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)
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
Kurt in NJ is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-07-2020, 02:46 PM   #7
ryanheacox
Senior Member
 
ryanheacox's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: Northwest CT
Posts: 1,092
Default Re: Remove sector needle bearings

Well then I'll stick it in the press tonight and see if anything pops loose.
ryanheacox is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-07-2020, 06:21 PM   #8
CWPASADENA
Senior Member
 
CWPASADENA's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: PASADENA, CA
Posts: 1,881
Default 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.
CWPASADENA is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-07-2020, 06:39 PM   #9
rotorwrench
Senior Member
 
rotorwrench's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: San Antonio, Texas
Posts: 16,367
Default 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.

Last edited by rotorwrench; 01-08-2020 at 10:50 AM.
rotorwrench is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-07-2020, 08:47 PM   #10
ryanheacox
Senior Member
 
ryanheacox's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: Northwest CT
Posts: 1,092
Default 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.
ryanheacox is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-07-2020, 10:35 PM   #11
David R.
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Aug 2016
Location: West Virginia
Posts: 430
Default 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.
David R. is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-08-2020, 05:43 PM   #12
Fhane
Senior Member
 
Fhane's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Stuart Florida
Posts: 147
Default Re: Remove sector needle bearings

If you need a sector housing I can send you one for the cost of shipping.
Fhane is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-08-2020, 07:32 PM   #13
ryanheacox
Senior Member
 
ryanheacox's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: Northwest CT
Posts: 1,092
Default 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.
ryanheacox is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-08-2020, 10:44 PM   #14
Fhane
Senior Member
 
Fhane's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Stuart Florida
Posts: 147
Default Re: Remove sector needle bearings

Yes, stock housing. If you need it my phone number is 772 341 8291
Fhane is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)


All times are GMT -5. The time now is 10:54 AM.