The Ford Barn

First time restorer · 11-11-2020, 03:36 PM

The steering column sleeve on my 1939 Ford is cracked down near the steering box. Is this a major problem? Is there an easy fix short of removing the entire steering column. It grinds a little when you turn the wheel.

Terry,OH · 11-11-2020, 05:35 PM

You may want to check out a Chassis parts book for the part your seeing as cracked. There is an upper bushing under the steering wheel, many replace with a bearing.

GaryU. · 11-11-2020, 07:02 PM

I think there is a slot and a clamp at the bottom on the steering column where it attaches to the steering box. Perhaps your clamp is missing? Terry,OH probably has indicated the source of your grinding sounds, the upper bushing made of rubber, Here is a link to a drawing of the steering column and other parts from Mac Van Pelts site, lots of great info and parts. http://www.vanpeltsales.com/FH_web/F...ar_1937-39.jpg

JSeery · 11-11-2020, 09:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by First time restorer

The steering column sleeve on my 1939 Ford is cracked down near the steering box. Is this a major problem? Is there an easy fix short of removing the entire steering column. It grinds a little when you turn the wheel.

I'm not understanding this description, can you post a little more detail and maybe a photo?

deuce_roadster · 11-12-2020, 09:36 AM

I have seen 40 mast jackets broke off about 1 1/2 inches from the bottom and figured it was from collision damage. I didn't notice it until I removed the column as the broken piece was the exact length of the portion that slips over the steering box and the break was under the clamp. Seems odd but I have seen that. While I could have welded it up I just replaced the mast jacket as they are plentiful, I think 40-48 use the same one.

skidmarks · 11-12-2020, 10:12 AM

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Ive have had the same thing happen. But mostly in trucks. Worn out suspension and loose bolt. Better check the bottom of your dash board at the column drop.

Only way to fix it is take it apart. It will be full of dirt and grease and if you dont clean it out good. Trying to weld it will turn into a bigger mess.
Once its clean its easy to weld back together

11-11-2020, 03:36 PM	#1
First time restorer Junior Member Join Date: Mar 2020 Posts: 26	Cracked steering column sleeve The steering column sleeve on my 1939 Ford is cracked down near the steering box. Is this a major problem? Is there an easy fix short of removing the entire steering column. It grinds a little when you turn the wheel.

11-11-2020, 05:35 PM	#2
Terry,OH Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 5,394	Re: Cracked steering column sleeve You may want to check out a Chassis parts book for the part your seeing as cracked. There is an upper bushing under the steering wheel, many replace with a bearing.

11-11-2020, 07:02 PM	#3
GaryU. Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Beaver Dam, Wisconsin Posts: 835	Re: Cracked steering column sleeve I think there is a slot and a clamp at the bottom on the steering column where it attaches to the steering box. Perhaps your clamp is missing? Terry,OH probably has indicated the source of your grinding sounds, the upper bushing made of rubber, Here is a link to a drawing of the steering column and other parts from Mac Van Pelts site, lots of great info and parts. http://www.vanpeltsales.com/FH_web/F...ar_1937-39.jpg

11-12-2020, 09:36 AM	#5
deuce_roadster Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Shelton, WA Posts: 4,043	Re: Cracked steering column sleeve I have seen 40 mast jackets broke off about 1 1/2 inches from the bottom and figured it was from collision damage. I didn't notice it until I removed the column as the broken piece was the exact length of the portion that slips over the steering box and the break was under the clamp. Seems odd but I have seen that. While I could have welded it up I just replaced the mast jacket as they are plentiful, I think 40-48 use the same one. Last edited by deuce_roadster; 11-12-2020 at 10:09 AM.

11-12-2020, 10:12 AM	#6
skidmarks Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: newark, delaware Posts: 3,841	Re: Cracked steering column sleeve Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) Ive have had the same thing happen. But mostly in trucks. Worn out suspension and loose bolt. Better check the bottom of your dash board at the column drop. Only way to fix it is take it apart. It will be full of dirt and grease and if you dont clean it out good. Trying to weld it will turn into a bigger mess. Once its clean its easy to weld back together