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By 55fairlane272 - 9 Years Ago
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Hey guys, I own a 1955 Ford Fairlane sedan. It's a 272 y block and fordomatic. I've always had problems with the steering in 2 areas. The first problem is power steering only works th the right. I've read that this can be the steering gearbox, but I was also wondering if it could be the power steering control valve that these old Fords have? I don't want to put down a bunch of time and money rebuilding something that doesn't need it. Also, another possibility related problem is that the steering has a lot of play. It's so bad that when I go over any bumps, the front end and steering wheel start shaking back and forth until I move the wheel to one side to stop the play. I tried tightening up the box, but that didn't really help much. Could this also be the box? Or control valve?? I already did tie rod ends so I could rule those out. Any ideas where I should start?? Thanks everyone
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By oldcarmark - 9 Years Ago
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The lack of power steering in one direction is likely the Control Valve on the end of the Centre Link or the Cylinder. Not the Box. All assist is through the Valve and Cylinder. There is a Ball Stud in that Control Valve which may be worn and is part of the wander. Or the Box could be worn out to the point adjusting it no longer has any effect. Control Valves and Cylinders are available rebuilt from several Suppliers including Macs. Box is another Story. Lack of available repair Gears for the later 3 Tooth Sector Shaft Boxes makes it hard to find an Exchange Unit or repair the One You have unless its the early style 2 Tooth Sector Shaft Box..
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By 55fairlane272 - 9 Years Ago
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Thanks so much. I'll probably end up ripping the old control valve off and send it in for a rebuild. I believe I have the 2 tooth style shaft as well, so that's not bad. I'm just gonna start with rebuilding the valve and see if that helps it at all. By any chance do you know what kind of oil goes into the gear box? Thanks again!
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By miker - 9 Years Ago
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Years ago I pulled the power steering pump on a 55, and drove it in to have a seal replaced. The steering was very loose, like all over the road. So you're on the right track with the control valve, with it not working, you really can't troubleshoot anything else.
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By aussiebill - 9 Years Ago
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55fairlane272 (5/30/2016)
Hey guys, I own a 1955 Ford Fairlane sedan. It's a 272 y block and fordomatic. I've always had problems with the steering in 2 areas. The first problem is power steering only works th the right. I've read that this can be the steering gearbox, but I was also wondering if it could be the power steering control valve that these old Fords have? I don't want to put down a bunch of time and money rebuilding something that doesn't need it. Also, another possibility related problem is that the steering has a lot of play. It's so bad that when I go over any bumps, the front end and steering wheel start shaking back and forth until I move the wheel to one side to stop the play. I tried tightening up the box, but that didn't really help much. Could this also be the box? Or control valve?? I already did tie rod ends so I could rule those out. Any ideas where I should start?? Thanks everyone
You have allready picked the main problem, worn steering box, o,haul that as a base line and then retest steering behavior.
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By oldcarmark - 9 Years Ago
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Good suggestion Bill but if He is only getting Power Assist in One direction is that not a problem other than the Box? Certainly looking at the Box as part of the Wander is likely the cause.
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By 62bigwindow - 9 Years Ago
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I don't know about the power steering box but, the 3 tooth didn't show up until late production in 1956. I have 2 56's. One built in December 55 that has a 2 tooth sector and my green wagon that was built in July of 56 and it has the 3 tooth sector. I just had the one in my wagon rebuilt by Redhead Steering Gears and couldn't be happier. I rebuilt the complete front end and with 670-15 bias ply tires it drives and tracks better than my modern 4x4 truck.
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By 62bigwindow - 9 Years Ago
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I forgot. Most people are putting straight STP in the steering box. Heard a lot of good about it.
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By paul2748 - 9 Years Ago
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It sems you have a controll valve problem. You might consider taking your car to a front end shop and have them do an assessment of the front suspension (tie rod ends, idler, bushings).
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By snowcone - 9 Years Ago
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62bigwindow (5/30/2016)
I don't know about the power steering box but, the 3 tooth didn't show up until late production in 1956. I have 2 56's. One built in December 55 that has a 2 tooth sector and my green wagon that was built in July of 56 and it has the 3 tooth sector. I just had the one in my wagon rebuilt by Redhead Steering Gears and couldn't be happier. I rebuilt the complete front end and with 670-15 bias ply tires it drives and tracks better than my modern 4x4 truck.
I read that here too and tried it.
I wished I hadn't as it made the steering more heavy (not power assisted) and I can't get the STP out now
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By 62bigwindow - 9 Years Ago
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That's odd as I've used it with no ill effects. Also the oil that Redhead Gears put in mine is as heavy if not more than STP.
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