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MOTRS

FJ / FE / FC

1953-1960 / Sedan / Coupe / Australia

All FJ / FE / FC problems All workshop issues
Common Suspension and Steering

Steering Box Wear

Symptoms

Excessive play in the steering wheel, you can turn the wheel significantly before the front wheels respond. Heavy or uneven steering effort.

Cause

The recirculating ball steering box wears internally as the balls and tracks develop play. The sector shaft bushings also wear. This is universal on cars of this age.

Fix

Adjust the steering box (there's an adjusting screw on top of the box that takes up some play).

If adjustment can't eliminate the play, the box needs rebuilding or replacing.

Rebuilt steering boxes are available on exchange ($400-700).

A complete steering linkage refresh, steering box, idler arm, tie rod ends, drag link, is a worthwhile exercise ($800-1,500 all up).

Cost mentioned in fix
$400-700$800-1,500

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// More FJ / FE / FC problems

Other known issues

Common Suspension and Steering

King Pin Wear

Vague steering, wandering on straight roads, uneven front tyre wear. Clunking over bumps from the front end.
Common Suspension and Steering

Sagging Leaf Springs

The rear of the car sits lower than it should. The car bottoms out over bumps. The rear end wallows and bounces excessively.
Common Engine, Grey Motor (132.5ci / 2.17L Flathead Six)

Worn Bearings and Low Oil Pressure

Oil pressure drops below 20 psi at idle when hot. Knocking noise from the bottom end, particularly under load. May also develop a deep rumble at idle.
Common Engine, Grey Motor (132.5ci / 2.17L Flathead Six)

Valve Seat Recession

Gradual loss of compression, rough running, tapping noise from the engine that gets worse over time. May develop a misfire.
Critical Engine, Grey Motor (132.5ci / 2.17L Flathead Six)

Overheating in Modern Traffic

Temperature gauge climbs or the engine boils over in slow traffic or on hot days.
Common Engine, Grey Motor (132.5ci / 2.17L Flathead Six)

Fuel Pump Failure

Engine stalls, won't restart, or runs inconsistently. Fuel starvation symptoms, the engine dies under load but may restart after sitting for a few minutes.
View all 17 FJ / FE / FC problems