1957 turn signal canceling | Ford Thunderbird club group 1955-2005 T-Bird models

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1957 turn signal canceling

  • Thread starter Thread starter kidclerk
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kidclerk

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Thunderbird Year
1957
My turn signals work on my '57 but they don't always cancel/shut off when the steering wheel is turned. First off, I presume they are designed to, correct? 🙂 Second, if they are, any idea what part I might need to obtain to get them to work? I see there are some springs available at Larry's but I'm not sure what they do. Or would I just need to replace the switch? Thanks for any help....

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The problem that I had with my turn indicators was that they would not stay in position and would cancel before I would make a turn. This was due to the turn signal plate assembly not holding the roller firmly against the turn signal detent. The fix for this problem is fairly simple and something that most people can do for themselves. Getting to the turn signal mechanism involves removing the horn ring and steering wheel. Once the steering wheel is off you will have access to the turn signal mechanism and will be able to correct the problem.

Picture1.jpg

To remove the turn signal plate from the turn signal mechanism, you will have to unscrew the turn signal arm from the plate shaft and remove the conical spring. The top of the conical spring fits in the groove at the top of the turn signal switch shaft. Now you can lift the turn signal plate assembly out of the housing.

Picture2.jpg

Only using hand pressure, bend the plate assembly so that it will press down harder on the detent when it is reinstalled.

Picture3.jpg

Reinstall the turn signal plate assembly into the turn signal mechanism and install the conical spring and turn signal arm. You can test the turn signal operation by placing the steering wheel on the shaft, without installing the nut. Verify that the turn signals stay in position until the turn is completed. When you return the wheel to the center position they should automatically cancel. Once you have verified that the turn signals are working properly, install the steering wheel and properly torque the retaining nut and install the horn ring.

doug7740
1955 Thunderbird Blue
 
There is also another cause to this problem. If you have recently loosened the steering tube clap under the dash to access something under dash, the steering shaft tube could have dropped. This will cause the cancellation tab to be missed when turning steering wheel back to straight tracking. This happened to me after changing master cylinder and adding disc brakes to a 1959 tbird.
 
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59tbirddavid said:
There is also another cause to this problem. If you have recently loosened the steering tube clap under the dash to access something under dash, the steering shaft tube could have dropped. This will cause the cancellation tab to be missed when turning steering wheel back to straight tracking. This happened to me after changing master cylinder and adding disc brakes to a 1959 tbird.
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I don't think that's how the system works on the 55 - 57's. The cancel cam is on the steering wheel, not the shaft.
 
Here is a picture of the cancel cam that is mounted on the steering wheel.

doug7740
1955 Thunderbird Blue

000_3620.JPG
 
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