9n steering shaft thrust bearings question...

Harrycw

New User
I'm reposting this from the Ford forum. I put it in the wrong forum!

I'm replacing the thrust bearings on the steering shaft on my 9N/2N.

It has the early 9N/2N pinion gear with a horizontally split case where the sector shaft rests.

I've been successful at removing the old steering shaft bearings (but find it odd there is no lubrication system for these bearings - that "steering box" case is open to the transmission at the bottom!)

At any rate, the question I've come up with involves the upper bearing cup where it's pressed into the case. It had a concave spacer of sorts installed between the bearing cup and the case. I was able to drive the bearing cup out but I damaged that spacer while doing so.

I don't know if this thing is intended as a spacer, or a grease retaining cup, or what, as it's not listed in the Ford parts list at all.

If it was intended as a spacer it would separate the upper and lower bearing cups by that little amount, would that be a reason for it?

If anyone has this kind of early Ford knowledge, I'd love to hear it!

I've attached a photo of the shaft and its bearing and the (somewhat beat-up) 'spacer' to try to give it some perspective.

Also, how should I lube those bearings when I install them?

Thanks for any help!

mvphoto45134.jpg
 
It has been nearly 50 years since I replaced the sectors and shaft in my 9N so this is what I remember from then and looking at parts and service manuals. The upper inner part of the bearing floats on the shaft and adjustment is determined by your tightening the double nuts with lock washer. I can find no mention in parts/ service manuals of the shield/spacer you bent up. My guess it either keeps grease in the upper bearing or keeps it from being over oiled from splash from transmission below. I greased my upper bearing with wheel bearing grease when I assembled it. I have a grease zerk below my steering wheel to add grease also. My 9N2N 1946 manual shows this zerk. I wish I had a manual for 9N only, that may shed some light on the spacer/shield. Good luck!
 
50 years ago? Wow, I get the impression that my steering gear hasn't been looked at since 1939, when it was at the factory!
All the parts diagrams I've seen have nothing showing like it.
I can't imagine transmission oil splashing up through that 'steering column', it's way too narrow. I think your grease retainer idea sounds most plausible. There is no zerk up there, nor a place for one.
I might have to wing it, and straighten it out enough to function again, and put some long lasting grease in there for the duration.
Thanks for your input. I appreciate it!
 

"I might have to wing it, and straighten it out enough to function again"


I'm with you on that, it's possible the parts diagrams don't show it separate of the steering column casting because it would normally be a no wear item.

I'm going to venture to guess that if you put it back together with or without it and pack some good wheel bearing grease in the bearing it will still be functioning as intended 50 or 60 years in the future.
 
Yes I kind of figured that myself... The top bearing was still somewhat functional before I pulled it out, & absolutely dry, so not as smooth as it should be. The bottom bearing was in pieces.
The top 'dust seal' was missing too.
It will be a different beast once I get these things put back together!
 

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