Ball bearing for 1932 steering lock

[glennpm]

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.







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

Thanks,
Glenn

[deuce lover]

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

[Shorty]

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

[Krylon32]

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?

[glennpm]

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

[glennpm]

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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

[Bob C]

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

[glennpm]

Thanks for that Bob

[glennpm]

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 :-(

[DavidG]

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

[deuce lover]

Originally Posted by glennpm

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 :-(

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.

[petehoovie]

Originally Posted by deuce lover

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.

[glennpm]

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

[Model51]

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.

[glennpm]

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

Glenn

[Model51]

Glad it was just that simple a fix!

[FlatheadTed]

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

[glennpm]

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

[glennpm]

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.



Here is the LOCKED and OFF position



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.



Switch housing with slot arrangement



and with black shuttle mounted over barrel pin



closed up

[DavidG]

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