1939 Ford Sedan Steering

[Woodie1]

The steering on our car leaves me nervous to drive the car. I won't say it wanders but there isn't any road feel. The steering feels almost like a very loose power steering. I can't detect any up & down movement on the steering wheel as far as end play. I'm not sure if I should try another turn on the adjusting screw. I read some where that it shouldn't be too tight. With the steering wheel in the center & the drag link off the pitman arm, I don't detect any movement of the pitman arm. It feels like a good fit. Should I turn the nut another notch?

[Kube]

First things first. First, check all of the joints of the front chassis for wear. If any of the tie rod ends are worn, they need to be replaced.
Then check the steering gear for wear.
Most of us adjust the gear by "feel". You'll have to do the same.

Put the front of the car on stands and move the steering wheel to the center of its travel.
It must be centered.
Then turn the adjusting screw in a bit and check the 'feel" at the steering wheel.
If the gears are not too terribly worn, you'll note an improvement.

[Woodie1]

Kube, I have checked all the front end parts for looseness & everything looks good. Should I adjust the screw with the front end on jack stands?

[Woodie1]

I made an adjustment on the steering. I think it's a bit tighter now. I'll have to wait & see how it feels after I drive it more. Will need to recenter the steering wheel too.

[Kube]

Originally Posted by Woodie1

Kube, I have checked all the front end parts for looseness & everything looks good. Should I adjust the screw with the front end on jack stands?

Yes, on jack stands.

[rich b]

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Out of curiosity, why would there
be a need to re-center the wheel
after adjusting the lash screw?

[cadillac512]

Originally Posted by rich b

Out of curiosity, why would there
be a need to re-center the wheel
after adjusting the lash screw?

Shouldn't be. At any rate, centering the wheel before adjusting and test driving is important.



Terry

[Kube]

Originally Posted by rich b

Out of curiosity, why would there
be a need to re-center the wheel
after adjusting the lash screw?

My hunch is he found the steering wheel (spokes) was not centered when he went "lock to lock" and moved the wheel back to true center.

Pretty easy to fix if that's the case. Just turn the drag link (adjustable end) in or out as needed until the tie rod end fits in the pitman arm without and interference.