Steering Box

[Pa Joe]

Hi Guys, I just got my first Model A. I've had a 36 and a 40 before but never an A. It's a 1928 tudor and I'm checking everything out (to be on the safe side) before I put it on the road. I got excess play in the steering box. Can anyone recommend a place to have it rebuilt? I rebuilt the one in my 40 with parts from Macs but that was way back when I had acess to a press. And if anyone could recommend a few books on the car I would appreciate it. THanks Joe

 

[CWPASADENA]

Hi Joe;

Where are you located?

There are people out there that do this type of work.

However, first, I would be sure it is not just out of adjustment. I recently bought a '31 that was an older restoration with not a lot of miles on it sense it was restored. The steering had a ton of play in it. I was ready to remove it and go thru it but thought I would first take a stab at adjusting it. I was very successful at getting almost every bit of play out of it without removing it from the chassis. I think I lucked out. It is now to the point where I am not going to take it apart. The car steers and drives just fine.

Les Andrews has very good repair and maintenance information in his books. Most of the Parts Dealers carry his manuals.

I know Bert's in Denver and I am almost sure Brattons also carriers his manuals.

Both of these suppliers also have the parts if you have to get into the steering gear yourself.

I hope you enjoy your "New" Model A.

Chris

 

[Ice man]

If your old like me you don't want the play but ever more important, HARD Steering. I got a F-1 Box and converted it for my 29 and it a dream to steer, but they are hard to get. Check out EZ Steer in Ohio, 216-316-4375. Got one on order for a customers 30 Roadster. These bolt right in but have all the good stuff inside. Iceman

 

[Ron in Quincy]

The 28-29 A's (thru mid 29) all had the 7 Tooth Sector and worm gear. Tou only have 2 adjustments on these steering gears; shims at the bottom to adjust load on the bearings and stud w/ lock nut to perss against the sector gear. Depending on usage, often the sector bushings are worn and also the sector shaft. These conditions will increase steering wheel play. Another check you can make from the outside is checking for free play at the ends of the tie rod and drag link; should have about a 25% load on the springs; if you do any tighting of the ends, you will have to check the toe in on the front end.

Ron

 

[steve s]

... Another check you can make from the outside is checking for free play at the ends of the tie rod and drag link; should have about a 25% load on the springs ...
Ron

Ron,
I'd never heard this before. Is it common automotive wisdom, or do you recall the source? Thanks.

Steve

 

[Pa Joe]

Thanks for the replys. I don't see any place to ajust like my 36 had so I guess I'll wait on the books to arrive so I know what I'm doing. Sure hate to pull that steering colomn out now in the middle of the summer when I want to drive it.

 

[Buz]

If your old like me you don't want the play but ever more important, HARD Steering. I got a F-1 Box and converted it for my 29 and it a dream to steer, but they are hard to get. Check out EZ Steer in Ohio, 216-316-4375. Got one on order for a customers 30 Roadster. These bolt right in but have all the good stuff inside. Iceman

What roughly do they cost?

 

[John LaVoy]

We have done articles on the F-100 boxes in the Model A Times and have installed the EZ Steer box in a car and will have the article in the Fall issue of the Times. The F-100 boxes we picked up from Mel Gross in CA I think it was $550 for those and the EZ Steer which is all new was about $900 I think we picked these up a few years ago so don't recall exactly what they were selling for at the time.