heavy steering

[CB919ER]

I've driven cars without power steering before and I've never had a problem. I know the steering is quite heavy when the car isn't moving, but it always seemed to get easier once going,

I drove my car home yesterday from Seymour, TN back to Soddy-Daisy, and there were a couple times on some back roads it was all I could do to get the car to turn. Also, it feels as if the steering is sticking and not wanting to return to center. I can turn the wheel in a corner and let go and the steering will stay where I let go.

Is this normal? or is there something else I need to be looking into. I checked my Mechanics handbook for help with possible lubrication of the steering system but didn't have much luck. I probably over looked it somewhere.

Thanks for any help/advice.

[Barry B./ Ma.]

Check your toe in and the kingpin thrust bearings should be taking the load and is the steering bax adjusted properly ? You might consider the teflon rod bushings for the steering arms.

[SeaSlugs]

Sounds like your entire steering system needs looked over and at minimum greased. Castor could be all outa whack as well. Should drive pretty much like a modern car without power steering.

[Jim Brierley]

Check all steering components but sounds like a dry, or worse, gear box.

[3.6rs]

You are getting older and your arm muscles aren't what they used to be...

[BILL WILLIAMSON]

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Most HARD steering is just WHAT it IS!!! Returning to center by ITSELF, is very RARE!--It's just an Old Design, HIGH EFFORT Steering.
Bill W.

[CB919ER]

Originally Posted by Jim Brierley

Check all steering components but sounds like a dry, or worse, gear box.

I'm looking over my lubrication chart and will probably start hitting all the points tomorrow night

Originally Posted by 3.6rs

You are getting older and your arm muscles aren't what they used to be...

I'm only 36, I'm probably one of the youngest guys on here. (I'm aware that you are joking and being sarcastic)

[/QUOTE]

[Y-Blockhead]

Originally Posted by CB919ER

I've driven cars without power steering before and I've never had a problem. I know the steering is quite heavy when the car isn't moving, but it always seemed to get easier once going.

I drove my car home yesterday from Seymour...

Is this something that just happened? If so, as other have stated you need to check your steering adjustments and lubrication.

Don't start installing Teflon bushings or shortened pitman arms before rectifying the problems.

Originally Posted by CB919ER

Also, it feels as if the steering is sticking....

Sounds like your steering box needs adjustment or oil (not uncommon).

[CB919ER]

Originally Posted by Y-Blockhead

Is this something that just happened? If so, as other have stated you need to check your steering adjustments and lubrication.

Don't start installing Teflon bushings or shortened pitman arms before rectifying the problems.



Sounds like your steering box needs adjustment or oil (not uncommon).

That was only the second time I'd ever driving the car. It's be garaged for 20ish years.

[3.6rs]

Originally Posted by CB919ER

...

I'm only 36, I'm probably one of the youngest guys on here. (I'm aware that you are joking and being sarcastic)

[/QUOTE]

I don't know if you are the youngest. At age 99 they start counting from 1 again on this forum. Only 2 digits...
So if someone started all over let hear from you !

[WHN]

In our 29 with a completely restored front end, when car is moving, you can drive with one hand.

I would start with a good grease job, if you can with high pressure lub gun.

Not knowing cars history but reading your notes. I would be leaning towards a group of things that might need attention.

Rebuilt suspension, front end, and brakes, must be correct. They all work together, very important.

[V4F]

be sure to pack front wheel bearings also

[JDupuis]

CB919ER, I know exactly what you are talking about.
Check the steering box for oil. My 31 did the same while out on a drive one time. The oil had simply dripped out over time. Good Luck.
Great to have a young guy in our presence. . Jeff

[CB919ER]

Originally Posted by 3.6rs

I don't know if you are the youngest. At age 99 they start counting from 1 again on this forum. Only 2 digits...
So if someone started all over let hear from you !

touché good sir!

Originally Posted by WHN

In our 29 with a completely restored front end, when car is moving, you can drive with one hand.

I would start with a good grease job, if you can with high pressure lub gun.

Not knowing cars history but reading your notes. I would be leaning towards a group of things that might need attention.

Rebuilt suspension, front end, and brakes, must be correct. They all work together, very important.

I'll pick up a grease gun on my way home and lube everything I can. I see in my book that I'm supposed to us "Ford Special steering gear lubricate" in the steering box. Where can I get this stuff or what else can I use. I'm trying to take care of the car and do things right as much as possible.

[txkhog]

King pins are also a major concern if setting for a while. now you are turning on metal to metal with a very serious load

[CB919ER]

Originally Posted by txkhog

King pins are also a major concern if setting for a while. now you are turning on metal to metal with a very serious load

is there a trick to lubricating these? or am I pulling the spindle off?

[Y-Blockhead]

Originally Posted by CB919ER

I'm only 36, I'm probably one of the youngest guys on here. (I'm aware that you are joking and being sarcastic)

Unfortunately that's as good as you get from some...

[1931 flamingo]

Get a copy of the Red Book. It will answer many questions. For the steering box, get some PennRite steering box lube (NO leakee). Is there a local club near you?? Someone from it would probably be happy to help you out.
Paul in CT

[CB919ER]

Originally Posted by 1931 flamingo

Get a copy of the Red Book. It will answer many questions. For the steering box, get some PennRite steering box lube (NO leakee). Is there a local club near you?? Someone from it would probably be happy to help you out.
Paul in CT

I've got the redbook, It's a wonderful tool to help.

[CB919ER]

Originally Posted by JDupuis

CB919ER, I know exactly what you are talking about.
Check the steering box for oil. My 31 did the same while out on a drive one time. The oil had simply dripped out over time. Good Luck.
Great to have a young guy in our presence. . Jeff

That's going to be my first step, that and hitting all the lube points with a grease gun.

I guess it's rare to have a guy my age with an interest in classic cars like the Model A, and T, without building them into hotrod.

[1930-Pickup]

Originally Posted by CB919ER

I guess it's rare to have a guy my age with an interest in classic cars like the Model A, and T, without building them into hotrod.

Yes, more rare these days, unfortunately.
A lot of these folks got started when they were young...16 for me, I'm 58 now.

[Y-Blockhead]

I don't know what year your car is but you might consider getting a steering box end plate with the 'tube'. http://www.snydersantiqueauto.com/st...sing-end-plate It will prevent oil from running out the end along the horn shaft and filling your light switch. '28-29 have a different part #.

[Synchro909]

Originally Posted by Y-Blockhead

I don't know what year your car is but you might consider getting a steering box end plate with the 'tube'. http://www.snydersantiqueauto.com/st...sing-end-plate It will prevent oil from running out the end along the horn shaft and filling your light switch. '28-29 have a different part #.

That was my first thought as I read this thread. If the car has been standing for 20 years, that's plenty of time for the steering box to drain. It would only take a few drops a year and you end up dry (and stiff steering) Grease in the ball joints could be dried up too, likewise in the king pins. I'd go right through the steering with fresh grease as a minimum.

[CB919ER]

Originally Posted by 1930-Pickup

Yes, more rare these days, unfortunately.
A lot of these folks got started when they were young...16 for me, I'm 58 now.

my love for these cars start when I was young. My grandpa got this car when I was 3, and I've been around it my whole life. I'm actually sick of hearing people tell me I need to chop and channel the car and put in a small block V8. This car is to pretty for that. If it were a clapped out rust heap that would be different but it's not.

Originally Posted by Synchro909

That was my first thought as I read this thread. If the car has been standing for 20 years, that's plenty of time for the steering box to drain. It would only take a few drops a year and you end up dry (and stiff steering) Grease in the ball joints could be dried up too, likewise in the king pins. I'd go right through the steering with fresh grease as a minimum.

I'll grease up what I can and put some oil in the steering box, is there any tips on greasing the kingpins?

And my car is a 29 coupe

[WHN]

Originally Posted by CB919ER

touché good sir!



I'll pick up a grease gun on my way home and lube everything I can. I see in my book that I'm supposed to us "Ford Special steering gear lubricate" in the steering box. Where can I get this stuff or what else can I use. I'm trying to take care of the car and do things right as much as possible.

We use John Deere Cornhead grease in steering box and in u-joint.

You could get many different views on what to use.

Please don’t forget u-joint. Check transmission and rear end also. Enjoy.

[WHN]

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Originally Posted by CB919ER

is there a trick to lubricating these? or am I pulling the spindle off?

Good grease gun!

Might take a couple of times over a few short drives to get the grease everywhere it is needed.

I would take it to your local garage and have them put car on lift. Than have them grease it with a commercial style grease gun. Drive on lift only.

[Synchro909]

Originally Posted by WHN

Good grease gun!

Might take a couple of times over a few short drives to get the grease everywhere it is needed.

I would take it to your local garage and have them put car on lift. Than have them grease it with a commercial style grease gun. Drive on lift only.

I understand why you say "Drive on lift only" but the shackles and king pins are best greased with the weight off the wheels. Even with a drive on hoist, I would ask them to put a jack under the axle before greasing.
Cornhead grease in the steering box as has been said is a good move - NOT chassis grease.

[WHN]

Originally Posted by Synchro909

I understand why you say "Drive on lift only" but the shackles and king pins are best greased with the weight off the wheels. Even with a drive on hoist, I would ask them to put a jack under the axle before greasing.
Cornhead grease in the steering box as has been said is a good move - NOT chassis grease.

Good point on the jack under axel. You could also move the steering back and forth as you grease. Working it in.

[Y-Blockhead]

Originally Posted by WHN

We use John Deere Cornhead grease in steering box and in u-joint.

You could get many different views on what to use.

Please don’t forget u-joint. Check transmission and rear end also. Enjoy.

And give the throwout bearing a shot while your at it...

[glenn in camino]

If your steering doesn't return after a turn, the problem is probably caster. Is your front wishbone bent up? If it is, the caster has changed and affected the steering.

[Tom Wesenberg]

Jack up the front axle to get the wheels an inch or two off the ground. Grease all the steering and suspension joints, then turn the steering end to end a few times, and grease the steering joints again.

I use my original tool kit grease gun, but the dealers sell a special tip to install on the modern grease gun. Try to buy the metal tip, not the plastic one that some dealers sell.

Grease it well, fill the steering box, then report back. Also squirt oil on the dry springs and see how much better it rides.

[TZBrown]

I have found my modern type grease gun can be held tightly on the old fittings and won't leak past the fitting, allowing better pressure into the joint.
Hard to do with a side lever grease gun, easier with a grip lever type

[CapeCod_28A]

Originally Posted by CB919ER

That's going to be my first step, that and hitting all the lube points with a grease gun.

I guess it's rare to have a guy my age with an interest in classic cars like the Model A, and T, without building them into hotrod.

I'm in your same shoes, just starting at 44. Also, trying to learn and not screw too much up in the process.

I thought I was going to be the young one!

[barkleydave]

Do not use grease in the steering box. It is suppose to use 600w same as used in Trans and Rear end.
Grease will get hard as clay and steering will get very stiff!

[Keith True]

If your steering box has a grease fitting in it,do NOT grease it.Years ago garages had gear oil in a pump and used a grease fitting to pump through.They used to replace the plug with a grease fitting.Where it was OK,then was not,I would lean to it just losing it's lube.

[CB919ER]

Originally Posted by Keith True

If your steering box has a grease fitting in it,do NOT grease it.Years ago garages had gear oil in a pump and used a grease fitting to pump through.They used to replace the plug with a grease fitting.Where it was OK,then was not,I would lean to it just losing it's lube.

I wasn't going to put grease in the steering box, I had planned to put use a semi-synthetic gear oil it, and use grease everywhere I saw a grease fitting.

[WHN]

Originally Posted by CB919ER

I wasn't going to put grease in the steering box, I had planned to put use a semi-synthetic gear oil it, and use grease everywhere I saw a grease fitting.

Cornhead grease will not harden up like the grease used on fittings.

That’s why it can be used on the u-joint and steering box. It is self leveling and will also help in not being as likely to run out.

It is the correct viscosity needed.

This is not my first rodeo, please take my word on this one.

Also u-joint might take a full tube, 14 oz. Remove speedometer gear housing, two nuts, when grease starts coming out, your good to go. Enjoy.

[WHN]

If your concerned about using any form of grease in steering box. You could also try STP.

This also could help with potential leaking. Enjoy.

[Chris Haynes]

Never turn the wheel unless tires are turning.

[René W]

Grease...............