Me thinks I have a problem!!

Fred K-OR

Fred K-OR

Well-known member
IMG_1324a.jpg


This is the drag link/pitman set up on the "new" coupe I purchased a couple of weeks ago.

This is the way the drag link looks where it ties into the pitman arm from underneath. Not being an expert on Model A's, but looking at this thing, it just does not look right. The Pitman arm ball is almost up against the grease fitting.

IMG_1314a.jpg


This is how the end of the drag link looks where the end cap is screwed in. The cup is in way to far and the pin does not go through the groove in the cup.

It would seem like 1) the slot in the drag link has to much wear in it, 2) they did not put in the seats for the pitman arm or at least did not put at least one of them in.

What do you all think may be the problem? I am kind of lazy and thought I would quiz you all before I tear it down and start to order parts plus most of the time I don't know what I am doing anyway.
 
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Something ain't right. Do you have a club member near by to take a look? Perhaps some parts are missing. I'd take the link apart and see what is happening.
clem clement
 
Looks like things were either put together in the wrong order, or the inner ball-seat is missing ?

Ideally, the shank of the ball-stud should live near the center of the opening in the side of the drag-link / tie-rod.
 
Fred, your question sent me to the Service Bulletins (do you have a copy of these? If not, you should get one). Your drag link is correct after October 1928; that is, the grease fitting looks like it is where it should be. Your plug does appear to be too far in, though. I would suggest you take the drag link off, inventory the parts and attendant wear, and see if you don't have missing pills, broken springs, or badly worn balls. (That last part reads funny, but I don't know how else to refer to it.) It's a pretty easy disassembly and inspection, and what else are you going to do on a rainy Oregon Saturday?

Frank's suggestion is a good one too.

Let us know what you find out.
 
Fred K-OR said:
IMG_1324a.jpg


This is the drag link/pitman set up on the "new" coupe I purchased a couple of weeks ago.

This is the way the drag link looks where it ties into the pitman arm from underneath. Not being an expert on Model A's, but looking at this thing, it just does not look right. The Pitman arm ball is almost up against the grease fitting.

IMG_1314a.jpg


This is how the end of the drag link looks where the end cap is screwed in. The cup is in way to far and the pin does not go through the groove in the cup.

It would seem like 1) the slot in the drag link has to much wear in it, 2) they did not put in the seats for the pitman arm or at least did not put at least one of them in.

What do you all think may be the problem? I am kind of lazy and thought I would quiz you all before I tear it down and start to order parts plus most of the time I don't know what I am doing anyway.
Click to expand...
Fred;
Get a new pitman arm...this unit is badly worn out and could be very dangerous to drive...
Bob F
 
PS: Where did you get your coupe? I've been looking for one in the Portland area, but never heard about that one.
 
My guess from the picture is the Pitman Arm Ball is worn egg shaped allowing the shank to fit too close to back side of the slot in the Drag Link/Grease Fitting. Also the inner cup (the ball swivels in the cup) is either missing or very badly worn. Badly worn cups and balls (there is that phrase again) make for VERY hard steering.

New shortened Pitman Arm and while you are doing steering repair I recommend new steering balls on the steering arms at the backing plates and Teflon Easy Steer kit while you are at it. All these parts can be ordered thru Snyders, Brattons or any of the major dealers.
 
bobf said:
Fred;
Get a new pitman arm...this unit is badly worn out and could be very dangerous to drive...
Bob F
Click to expand...

Bob, I had the same feeling that I needed a new one. Plus I think that one of the cups is missing. Looks like I need to take it apart and see what is going on. Thanks for the input.
 
700rpm said:
PS: Where did you get your coupe? I've been looking for one in the Portland area, but never heard about that one.
Click to expand...

BTW did you ever find an engine rebuilder here in Oregon? I have one that I used for my Huckster. Give me a PM and I will pass it on.
 
I agree with the diagnosis and wholeheartedly second the suggestions made by Ken Parker.

Regarding engine builders in Oregon, If hes still in business, Bill Jordan in Grants Pass builds a sweet Model A engine.
 
When I re-did my steering I used the teflon (A-3305-SE E-Z STEER from Snyder's - they are available from most other sites as well - I just use Snyder's because it's just a state away.) What I found was nearly identical to your situation.

The inner seat on the steering arm end was gone and there was no evidence that it had been installed.

The result was that the shank on the ball on the end of the steering arm had been 'cut' about a quarter of the way through (YIKES!)

I got a shortened pitman arm, drag link (Bert's) and the teflon seats and had new balls welded to the steering arms (exchange.)

Nice now and no shimmy.

This is from Snyder's website

EZ-Steer Instructions

Not sure if the picture will post
 
Thanks guys. Looks like I need to take it apart and see where I go from here. I have new inter parts on order and have another old drag link in my parts bin. Will see what shape the one on there is in but it looks like it should be replaced.
 
Good thing I did more than just think about the fact that I had a problem with the drag link and pitman arm. The photo below shows what came out of the pitman end of the drag link. The little "cup" was only about 1/3 of what it should have been.

IMG_1326a.jpg


You will notice that the pitman arm wore the drag link down to almost where the place where this little "cup" was suppose to be on the drag link.

IMG_1339a.jpg


Now some more questions and advise please.

The pitman arm ball measures .875 IN on one side and .954 IN on the other side. It is egg shaped but is it to much so or can it be reused?

The front ball measures .929 IN on one side and .981 IN on the other side. It looks like it is not to bad as far as being egg shaped. What would be the thoughts on this ball?

Should I replace the drag link?
Final question. Show I replace the pitman arm?
I am going to replace all the parts inside the drag link.

Thanks for the help and I thought maybe someone may be interested in what I found.
 
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