1956 Brakes and Steering improvements

[EldonJon]

I purchased a 1956 for my 90-year-old father. This car is original with power steering and power drum brakes. First item on the list will be drum to disc replacements in the front.

How far to go? That is the question. Replacing drums with discs, then proportional valve, then double master cylinder for safety then new firewall mount vacuum boost which requires a relocation of the battery to the trunk. This will be his daily driver ( trips to grocery and church...100 miles tops per month).

2nd up is the sloppy steering. Some of this is body roll and tires, but want to consider taking up some lash in the steering gearbox. I hear it ls risky and need for the steering box to be pointed straight ahead (place of least lash) for adjustment to prevent locking up. Any other ways to make steering less of a ping pong match? Considered smaller steering wheel partially to help with getting in and out of the car.

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[biddle]

A lot of these topics have been covered in the past, you can use the search page to find topics about the steering box for example-

Thread '1957 Steering wheel play'

May 19, 2018

My 57 Teebird has about an inch or inch and a half play in the steering wheel would just be the steering gear needs to be adjusted or replaced ?

• Birdman57
• Replies: 28
• Forum: 1955 - 1966 Classic Ford Thunderbird

G

Thread '1956 play in steering wheel'

Jul 22, 2022

1956 Steering Wheel Play is quite loose. Already tried the adjuster screw. Not much improvement. I have seen parts in catalogues to rebuild steering box. Would prefer to buy a new or rebuilt steering box. Does anyone have ideas on where I can get this work done or where i can buy a new box?

• George Clayton
• front end alignment steering
• Replies: 17
• Forum: 1955 - 1966 Classic Ford Thunderbird

Thread '1955 Sloppy Steering'

Dec 31, 2023

Looking for any information on general maintenance I should look at doing. Car is in great condition but do not know what has been done. Also is it common for somewhat sloppy steering or should I be looking into replacing some steering parts. My hand floats a few inches back and forth going down the road to stay straight.

• Mark 1955
• Replies: 6
• Forum: 1955 - 1966 Classic Ford Thunderbird

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[doug7740]

1955/56 Steering Box Adjustment​

If there is a lot of play in the steering wheel before the front wheels turn and the steering components are not worn or damaged, there is an adjustment for the sector shaft end play on the top of the steering box.

Place the steering wheel in the straight ahead position. Remove the cap on the steering box and you will see a star washer in center of the flat head screw with a tang that locks the screw in place. Lift the washer and turn the screw clockwise one serration only and try it out. Keep going one serration at a time until you get as much of the play out of the steering wheel that you are comfortable with.

A couple of words of warning:​

1. If the worm gear is worn out, no amount of adjusting the steering box will help.
2. If you turn the adjustment screw too much you will be able to turn the steering wheel left or right, but then it will not return to the straight-ahead position.

doug7740
1955 Thunderbird Blue

 

[aub]

Have you checked the idler arm and tie rods for wear?

 

[EldonJon]

They all look brand new. I haven't checked for play in them yet, however. I'll certainly do that but need an assistant and my 90 Y/O dad is hard of hearing, so, need a recruit to wiggle the wheel while I have it up on the lift.

 

[aub]

if you have it on a lift just wiggling the wheel left and right will give you some indication if the idler arm moves up and down will also give you some indication

 

[Chatrat]

Casco rebuilt my steering box but I also needed NOS sector shaft...with radials my 55 with manual steering was much more manageable

 

[Bruce Hardy]

I used to set the steering box by loosening as explained and tighten the screw all the way down till it touches and back off an 1/8. If it's to tight comingback to center just backmoff another1/8 and your good to go. And I agree with the earlier statement of checking the drag link for looseness.There is a tool made that fits in the link to make it easy to turn. When you get this front tight it'll feel like a new car. PS I don't agree with you on the front disc conversion. I know it's the popular thing to do but if you have ORGANIC shoes and everything is adjusted properly, the little bugger will stop just fine. When the brakes are right you don't even need the power assist. Your lucky to have them. Good Luck!