help needed w/steering wheel problem

[Mike Barrett]

I recently purchased a 1930 Model A Tudor sedan. The steering wheel seemed loose so we took it off ( it was missing the keyway). After reinstalling the wheel and the horn button, the light control moves with the wheel and the horn beeps. Any ideas would be appreciated. Thanks

[700rpm]

There is a small brass bushing that goes on the top end of the light rod. That has to be there to avoid your problem. Parts suppliers all have them.

[Mike Barrett]

thanks, I remember seeing it. will check.

[Mike Barrett]

I replaced the bushing but light control stills turns with steering wheel. Any suggestions will be appreciated.

[Mister Moose]

Are you getting the 3 full turns lock to lock?

If you are, and the light switch follows those 3 turns, the switch has to be broken. Specifically the spider receiver ( don't know what else to call it) is broken, or the spider is off the shaft with the retaining clip off, or broken.

My recommendation would be to take apart the light switch at the base of the column, and determine if the light switch rod is broken, or the switch innards are broken. If you get more than ~90 degrees of rotation on the light switch, something has snapped.

[Tinbasher]

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

Also check the horn rod for how it moves inside the steering shaft. the A/M ones are too big and you have to file them down at the bottom 6 inches or so. Make sure it doesn't hang up. Then you'll be set.

[Mike Barrett]

Originally Posted by Mister Moose

Are you getting the 3 full turns lock to lock?

If you are, and the light switch follows those 3 turns, the switch has to be broken. Specifically the spider receiver ( don't know what else to call it) is broken, or the spider is off the shaft with the retaining clip off, or broken.

My recommendation would be to take apart the light switch at the base of the column, and determine if the light switch rod is broken, or the switch innards are broken. If you get more than ~90 degrees of rotation on the light switch, something has snapped.

Light switch only goes from approx. 4 oclock to 7 oclock

[gdmn852]

Hello,the light switch does come in different lengths,perhaps that is the problem. 3 sizes available 45 3/4 for a Ford gearbox Gemmer can be 44 31/32 or 45 31/32 .

[1930artdeco]

Welcome to the forum and you may want to add your location a someone may be nearby to help. Mine did that after it pulled the box out for a tune up. It was down in the switch area with the spider clip. Of course I can’t remember Ed how got it back together now��.

Mike

[Mister Moose]

Originally Posted by Mike Barrett

Light switch only goes from approx. 4 oclock to 7 oclock

4-7 O'clock is the normal range. That means your switch limits are functioning. Next would be to find why turning the wheel turns the switch, clearly it's rubbing/binding/tight somewhere. My idea would be to take apart the switch housing, remove the spider and C-clip, and rotate the switch rod and see how much resistance there is. Withdraw the horn button and light switch rod to check for bends. Is there something rubbing the bottom of the light switch against a washer or something on the steering wheel? Are there rub marks on the back of the switch rod? Try turning the steering wheel and hold the light switch still. Does it still turn the switch if the rod is withdrawn 1/4"?
With the spider clip off you ought to be able to feel and discover what's going on. You'd get better results if you put the front end on jack stands while you steer back and forth.

What do you have for reference books?

**EDIT: The horn beeping is a head scratcher. Something internal in the rod/horn switch has very bad juju. Does the horn work normally otherwise? (when not steering) If so, it must be something going on in the upper part of the light switch rod. The horn button grounds the circuit, the hot wire is on the horn already. Somewhere in the rod or switch you have something loose/bare/faulty that grounds the horn wire.

[Mike Barrett]

Originally Posted by 1930artdeco

Welcome to the forum and you may want to add your location a someone may be nearby to help. Mine did that after it pulled the box out for a tune up. It was down in the switch area with the spider clip. Of course I can’t remember Ed how got it back together now��.

Mike

Have tried to edit my profile with no luck, will try again

[Mike Barrett]

Post #10 answers
1)When I reinstalled the rod it did get a slight bow in it as it hit the roof. I could drop the steering column and straighten the rod if you think thats the problem.
2) I have ordered Model A books 2 & 3 plus shop manual.( not here yet)
3) car is on stands

[bbrocksr]

Originally Posted by Mike Barrett

Post #10 answers
1)When I reinstalled the rod it did get a slight bow in it as it hit the roof. I could drop the steering column and straighten the rod if you think thats the problem.
2) I have ordered Model A books 2 & 3 plus shop manual.( not here yet)
3) car is on stands

That's the problem, straighten the rod so it doesn't drag.
Bill

[Benson]

Originally Posted by bbrocksr

That's the problem, straighten the rod so it doesn't drag.
Bill

1. Agreed ON BENT ROD.

2. Also dried up grease/dirt on the rod and/or inside the hollow steering shaft that the rod goes through.

Even new and clean grease on the rod gets hard when cold outside.

Putting light weight "sewing machine oil" or "Three In One" oil on clean, straight rod might be better.

[Mike Barrett]

Originally Posted by Benson

1. Agreed ON BENT ROD.

2. Also dried up grease/dirt on the rod and/or inside the hollow steering shaft that the rod goes through.

Even new and clean grease on the rod gets hard when cold outside.

Putting light weight "sewing machine oil" or "Three In One" oil on clean, straight rod might be better.

Thanks, it is 2 degrees celcius here right now. will get back to it on Thursday when it warms up a little.

[Benson]

On second thought.

Maybe "Three In One" oil is not so good of an idea ...

It most likely has a little too much smell to it and would be detected by the wife!

Years ago I knew a sewing machine repairman who learned that the first week after He opened his shop!!

Never get Three and One near a machine or you WILL get a call back!

[Mike Barrett]

Originally Posted by Benson

On second thought.

Maybe "Three In One" oil is not so good of an idea ...

It most likely has a little too much smell to it and would be detected by the wife!

Years ago I knew a sewing machine repairman who learned that the first week after He opened his shop!!

Never get Three and One near a machine or you WILL get a call back!

I borrowed some Singer sewing machine oil from the Mrs. hope that will work

[Mister Moose]

Why not send a dowel rod as big as will fit down the whole length, clean out the offending goo, and then install the straight horn rod coated with the sweet smelling oil of your choice?

[Mike Barrett]

Well, went out today, dropped steering column. Sanded light rod, put in being careful not to bend. Put spring and little gizmo (not sure what you call it) and clip. Seems to have fixed the horn problem but light switch still turns with wheel. Just a rookie thought here but is it possible that the rod is not the correct one. Should I take it out, measure it and order the next longer one available. Do you think that would help or would it just create another set of problems ?

[Mike Barrett]

Has anyone bypassed the light rod and wired the lights (and horn) through a switch.