8N steering

[B Bair]

52,8N sidemount 12 volt. I been working on my steering, steers real hard. I checked the fluid in the steering box, checked the steering wheel shaft bearing and adjusted the sector shaft end play. I was working on setting the toe in when I noticed the radius rod seemed to have a lot of slop in it on both sides. I can move the radius rod from front to back an 1/8th inch on the left side and maybe up to 1/4 inch on the right side Do you think this is part of the steering problem? Can this socket be replaced? I dont see that in my manual.

 

[Sawatch 8N]

I recently redid my steering on my '52 8n. When you say it steers real hard, I'd take the tierods loose & see if the stiffness is in the gearbox, could be the adjustment on the gears is too tight. Column gear/bearings can be too tight too I had to play with mine quite a bit to get it right. There's still play but a whole lot less. The wear in the radius rods can be minimalized if you start replacing all the parts, but that gets pricey. you'll get to a point that a certain amount of play is tollerable.

 

[B Bair]

There is not a lot of play in the steering wheel. Drag link ends are tight. Wheel turns real easy with the drag links off. Steers easy with the links on and the front end in the air. Did see some of the radius rod caps on e-bay. I will look into replacing them since they are obviously worn out.

 

[souNdguy]

I doubt the radius rods have anything to directly do with hard steering.

more likely worn spindle bushings or too little sector backlash ( adjustment is too tight ) and or too much thrust bearing preload.

to tighten up a radius rod ball and socket fit get a slug from a electric box and peen it slightly concave and stick it in and bolt down.

copepr(zinc?) penny works on joints that are not amazingly sloppy too..

soundguy

 

[Den N Ms]

B Blair,you can tighten your radius rod play by grinding or filing the caps on the back/flat side some to tighten them. Or you can also make a concave copper spacer using a ball peen hammer and a quarter old socket or pipe and install it under the cap to tighten the radius rod.Repair costs 0.00 or .50 cheap.

 

[Den N Ms]

Oh,If the box turns easy hard steering could be from dry/rusted ,crushed spindle bearings on the bottom side of the axle.