Ball bearing for 1932 steering lock
 

Hi,

My steering lock on the '32 roadster is not locking the shaft. This morning I removed the threaded brass end cap which has a small spring inside but my ball bearing is missing.

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/attac...4&d=1705166668

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/attac...5&d=1705166668

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/attac...6&d=1705166668

- Diameter of ball bearing (I think 3/16')
- Anyone have one?

Thanks,
Glenn

Re: Ball bearing for 1932 steering lock
 

Here on Ebay.The whole kit $11.84.He might have the ball bearing separate
https://www.ebay.com/itm/35365377496...Bk9SR-aWlL6gYw

Re: Ball bearing for 1932 steering lock
 

Check with Third Gen Automotive Part No B-3740-KT

Re: Ball bearing for 1932 steering lock
 

Was scrounging for some special fasteners at my local True Value and found they have a whole box with just individual sized balls. I would think you could find the proper sized ball there?

Re: Ball bearing for 1932 steering lock
 

Thanks Guys!

I have a very good True Value nearby so will try that first.
It's REAL nasty outside now otherwise I would have already gone there :-)

Glenn

Re: Ball bearing for 1932 steering lock
 

Update, I was able to buy a 5/32" and a 3/16" but lock is still not engaging. Seems that 5/32 is the proper size.

I just changed my steering box and verified that the lock piston was going down without the shaft installed. Steering wheel is orientated correctly with stock keyway and shaft lock sleeve is correct so don't know what is going on.

Looks like a job for another day.

Glenn

Re: Ball bearing for 1932 steering lock
 

The parts book shows 353080-S 3/16" ball

Re: Ball bearing for 1932 steering lock
 

Thanks for that Bob

Re: Ball bearing for 1932 steering lock
 

I can see the piston moving down when the key is turned so it must be lack of engagement into the steering shaft sleeve. Tomorrow I'll take the switch box off the back and should be able to see more. I bet I left the sleeve off :-(

Re: Ball bearing for 1932 steering lock
 

One of those ten-minute jobs that sometimes ends up taking hours or days.

Re: Ball bearing for 1932 steering lock
 

This a rear view of the unit with the switch removed.The piston showing in the opening for the mast jacket is spring loaded(which might be stuck).That is what locks when into the collar on the shaft.In the upper hole you see a nickel plated slotted piece.That is the other end of the on-off toggle lever.I pulled this pic off one listed on EBAY.

Re: Ball bearing for 1932 steering lock
 

Re: Ball bearing for 1932 steering lock
 

Yup, collar missing. 4-1/2 hours and it is done!

Like David said a ten minute job turned into that. Not bad though other than a half hour trying to figure how to reassemble the ignition switch.

Thanks for everyone's help.

Glenn

Re: Ball bearing for 1932 steering lock
 

I'm just wildly speculating what your problem might be.
Since you mentioned that you changed the steering box, is it possible that the steering shaft position changed? The shaft should have a locking collar on it. If the spring in the piston is working, it should extend and lock the shaft when the lock collar on the shaft is in the correct orientation. If the collar is not at the same space along the steering shaft as the lock piston, then it will miss it and never engage.

Re: Ball bearing for 1932 steering lock
 

Hi Model51, I forgot to put the collar on :-)

Glenn

Re: Ball bearing for 1932 steering lock
 

Glad it was just that simple a fix!

Re: Ball bearing for 1932 steering lock
 

Glen is this one of Neil's bottom entry boxes ,its a pity john G didn't wait for my newly configured pattern boxes ,i

Re: Ball bearing for 1932 steering lock
 

Hi Ted,

Yes it is one of Neil's boxes. shaft with worm are installed from the bottom.
It is a new casing with integral sector shaft housing and good finish. A nice piece of work.

https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/...#post-15064148

Glenn

Re: Ball bearing for 1932 steering lock
 

A few assembly p0ictures of a 1932 passenger ignition switch.

This is the back of the column drop with the switch removed. It is shown in the ON position.

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/attac...4&d=1705426721

Here is the LOCKED and OFF position

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/attac...2&d=1705213838

The switch parts which are not aligned in the picture. One copper tit is worn and the back of the cover plate too. I wrote to two ebay vendors yesterday about buying just these parts without response.

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/attac...9&d=1705426721

Switch housing with slot arrangement

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/attac...2&d=1705426721

and with black shuttle mounted over barrel pin

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/attac...1&d=1705426721

closed up

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/attac...3&d=1705426721

Re: Ball bearing for 1932 steering lock
 

Joe's (joesantiqueauto.com) has both in stock according to their website. The part numbers that they use are B-3704 and B-3709.

Re: Ball bearing for 1932 steering lock
 

Thanks David. Joe is my first stop and I checked in an older catalog and the parts weren't listed. I've just ordered them.

Thanks!

Re: Ball bearing for 1932 steering lock
 

Prices are great too!

Re: Ball bearing for 1932 steering lock
 

You're welcome!


You're also fortunate that the black plastic back cover isn't cracked as they often are from over-tightening the two screws.

Re: Ball bearing for 1932 steering lock
 

If you look at the two column drop photos posted by glennpm in post#19 you will see the top photo shows a drop completely cut out. In the bottom photo the column drop is not cut out and shows just two round holes.
When the drop is cutout, it makes it possible to remove the slide without removing the locking pin. Just push it through passing thru the toggle lever.
I modify every drop I refurbish it makes things so much easier.
Only a small slot is needed just enough to pass the pin through.
I hope this helps.

Re: Ball bearing for 1932 steering lock
 

That’s very good to know, thanks

Glenn