Steering box pitman arm play

T

telmore1964

Junior Member
This weekend I decided to address what I think is excessive play in my steering wheel for my 1930 Ford model A pickup. I don't have Les Andres book yet it should be here on the 31st. So I have downloaded some docs from this website that outline all the adjustments. I started by jacking up the front end and disconnecting the drag link from the pitman arm and going through the steps. I
immediately noticed the pitman arm has a lot of up and down movement if I grab it by the end that I can move it up and down perhaps 1/4" or more. No amount of adjustment seems to change this fact and I was wondering if this is normal or a sign that the bearing through which the arm shaft resides is worn out? If so is this a bronze bushing of sort that can be replaced?


Thanks
-Tom
 
If the movement is even getting close to 1/4", there is more happening than the sector shaft bushes. The bolts holding the steering box to the chassis would be the first place I would go looking while also checking the pitman arm to sector shaft fit. 1/4" is a massive amount of play!
 
I got the steering box apart yesterday and the sector shaft busing are indeed shot. I was able to press them out and have some new ones on order. I think I will replace the two tooth gear as well as one side of the teeth appear to be slightly rounded off.
 
I doubt that a new sector shaft will tighten things up. My opinion is that the pinion center section is the problem. It wears while on center. Tough job changing the pinion. Good luck.
 
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