1965 Thunderbird Power Steering Gearbox Trouble

[Max Packer]

I can't figure this one out, unless its a sheared bolt? The power steering gearbox on my 1965 Thunderbird is moving (a LOT). All 3 mounting bolts are tight, all 3 bushings are present. All shift tube bushings and insulators are present. All steering mounting bolts are tight. Any ideas what could cause this? Any input would be greatly appreciated! Here's a link to a video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-8q8LzcogGw&feature=youtu.be

[scumdog]

Looked at the video - wow, STOP doing that, DON'T drive it!

A broken casting/mounting lug?

A chunk of the frame ripping out?

Whatever, it's danged serious matey!

[simplyconnected]

Looked at the video - wow, STOP doing that, DON'T drive it!..

I saw the vid and I agree. Have your car towed to a frame & body repair shop. Your steering box should be solid as a rock. I have NEVER seen one come loose aside from being in a collision. - Dave

[Max Packer]

I Think the Rubber Mounts are the Problem

With everything I can inspect is looking solid, I believe the rubber mounts are most likely at fault. The metal mounting surface is solid. No rust or cracks. The box itself has no cracks or breaks. It is most likely that the rubber mounts have come apart. Thank you, everyone, for your thoughts.

[simplyconnected]

...It is most likely that the rubber mounts have come apart...

There are NO rubber parts. The box is solid to the frame because it has to be. Take Tom's and my advice. Do NOT drive the car. If you cannot find this major problem with your steering, tow the car to a good mechanic. - Dave

[Max Packer]

1965 Thunderbird Steering Gear Box Mounting Pads

These are the rubber mounts I'm referring to. I will also try to take a photo of them in my car if I can get a clear enough view.

http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr269/MaxPacker/MountingPads1.jpg

http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr269/MaxPacker/MountingPads2.jpg

Absolutely, as recommended, I will NOT be driving the car, and indeed it WILL be off to a qualified mechanic, as I don't possess the proper facility & tools required to do the job. Thank you for the advice, I do appreciate it.

[simplyconnected]

Kevin, the torque on those bolts is 35-50ft/lbs. (times three bolts). That's tight. If the pads were made of rubber, any kind of cushion would be squashed out. The pads are there to ensure proper surface area for the steering gear. I'm looking in my parts catalogs and nowhere does it say they are rubber, so I don't think they are. They are probably donuts of steel.

So, why does the whole gear box flex at all? Is part of your frame rusted out? Can you have someone turn the steering wheel while you look at the steel structure?

Whatever the cause, even if it requires new replacement steel, that can be easily welded in. - Dave

[Max Packer]

I know the purpose of the insulators is to dampen any vibration from the road from the steering wheel. The insulators themselves have steel components either surrounded by, or joined together by rubber, which is known to fail over time. They are surprisingly difficult to find much information on. Here are a couple of links that show & describe the insulators:

http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr269/MaxPacker/insulator.jpg

http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr269/MaxPacker/InsulatorDescription.png

[Max Packer]

From Mac's Thunderbird Parts:



This is the steel encased rubber mount from the gearbox to the frame. Always check these when you are changing the gearbox, vague steering can be a symptom of bad insulators.

[simplyconnected]

I'm learning something new, here. Those center bolts look awfully small to support a steering box from. They also look too small to withstand 50 ft/lbs of torque. I guess that could be the cause of your steering box coming loose. I would have to forego that mounting in favor of the method Ford used in 1964.

As far as dampening vibrations from the road, that is what the rag joint (coupling) does. - Dave

[Max Packer]

Yep, new to me too. I learn as I go.

Agreed. I'm considering replacing my failed mounts with solid ones to avoid this problem again. I spoke to a mechanic who is very aware of this problem, and knows of the solid aftermarket mounts.

Here's a photo of the rubber insulator: