Model T Oversteering

stickshift

stickshift

Senior Member
I've been driving my T more and more and I'm now pretty good at working the pedals. I did a 15 mile drive today and I noticed that when on tight turns, the steering wheel will over steer and I have to fight it to straighten the front wheels out. I don't know if this is the way T's drive, or something is wrong. It's really noticeable when making a U turn. Anyone else have this issue?
 
It's a 1915 touring. There's a dampener on the passenger side linkage that I doubt is period correct. Maybe it's worn out? The car oversteers whether going left or right, only when making tight turns.
 

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redmodelt said:
If it needed a damper installed, more than likely it is worn out.
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This is accurate. You can rebush a Model T front end for under $200 in parts. You'll be blown away by how nice it drives after. A Model T front end in good condition shouln't need a steering damper.
 
Check your spring perches that they are not installed backwards. There is a left and right to them so that the front axle kingpin caster is correct. The bottom of the kingpin should be farther in front of the car than the top. Check the service manual for the exact amount, but i recall that on the ground, the projected centerline should be 3" difference.
If the top of your kingpin is not behind the bottom, thats your issue.
 
The little planetary gear set up on the steering column was not ideal but at least it functioned to give more ease in steering wheel function. Folks usually install dampers as a band aid to worn joints in the system but it also adds resistance to turning the wheel. Take all the play out and it should be good to go.

It was Henry Ford's stubborn character that allowed that old horse less carriage design to stick around clear up to 1927. Edsel didn't get the go ahead for a change until sales were falling off a cliff.
 
J Franklin said:
Always keep in mind that a T steering can reverse on very sharp turns.
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This is what it seems to be doing... as if the steering radius is too tight and making tighter turns than it should mechanically be allowed to do. To the point the front wheels "lock" into the turn.

I'll jack up the front end on Sunday and do the wheel wiggle test for loose kingpins, wheel bearings, or steering bushings. The steering feels very tight when driving, no wandering, wobble, or play in the steering wheel.
 
I checked it out and the drivers side front wheel was a tad loose, tightened until the slop was gone. When I grab the wheels and rock top to bottom and side to side, the bushings are a little worn, but not horrible. Enough that I can feel some play. Looks like I'll be buying more parts, I still think the steering goes too far right and left, like it should stop before it reaches that point of locking into the turn.
 
If the all is tight and wear accounted for, caster, camber, and toe-in are correct you have the best you can get in Model T. when Ford came out with the Model A They went to a modern style non reversible steering gear.
 
I think part of my problem is I drive too darn fast. I took my Son out for a spin on Sunday and we got to a winding up hill road with a lot of switch-backs. He yelled at me to "Slow Down". I think he got a little scared. I need to remember that the Model T has it's limitations, but when cars are behind me I feel like I'm holding traffic.
 
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