Steering play...

[kqa3637]

How much steering wheel play is normal in a Model A... Measuring from the outside perimeter of the steering wheel?

 

[Tom Wesenberg]

2 to 4 inches might be normal, but 1/2" is desirable.

 

[Terry NJ]

How much ya got? As Tom says, 2-4 inches, but when my cars stared having 4" of play, I started looking for a way to tighten it up. There are four adjustments. Two are shaft end play, The lock nut and slotted screw on the engine side of the box. The bolt and lock nut at the top of the box (Above the filler plug). Be careful of this one, just snug it up, do not tighten, it can split the upper race. Then there are two gear positioning adjustments which are a little harder to work with. First, you must slightly loosen the four side cover bolts. then you will see a cam nut in a top corner. Play with it until the wheel is tight. The last adjustment is a slotted screw on the underside of the box that positions the cover. There isa sequence to adjusting the steering box, but I don't know what it is. I'm sure that the
sequence must begin with tightening the end play in the shafts. Also, wiggle the pitman arm shaft to check the bushing wear. Before you do all this, you may want to jack it up and shake the wheels. Loose wheel bearings, kingpins, and spring bushings can cause play and "Death Wobble" (It's not really Death) Another thing that's good to know is the condition of your balls. Take the drag link off where they connect to the other shaft and you'll find a ball that the links connect to. These ball ends get out of round and this will give you trouble. Hope this helps!
Terry

 

[MAG]

Speaking on the 2 tooth steering box, with all components in "as new condition' it is entirely possible to have zero (0) play at the home/ straight forward position in the steering box.

 

[BILL WILLIAMSON]

BUT, with "0" play, that sucker will DART LIKE A LIZARD!!!!! DON'T ask me how I know.
Bill Gecko

 

[Patrick L.]

I like about 1". The service bulletins have the correct procedure for performing the 4 adjustments. They need to done in order and rechecked.

Also, the box should have heavy oil and not grease.

 

[Big hammer]

I went for a ride in the country to break in rebuilt motor. Starting out had a little play,
after the bumpy ride, the steering is much tighter,1/4 inch from straight ahead.

 

[Larry Jenkins]

BUT, with "0" play, that sucker will DART LIKE A LIZARD!!!!! DON'T ask me how I know.
Bill Gecko

That's "GEICO!" Bill.. Geico's like Lizards.. Save 15%..

 

[BILL WILLIAMSON]

My cars' permanent passengers are a YELLOW Rubber Snake & Pats' Rubber CHICKEN. I used to hang out the chicken feet, to keep Minervas' trunk lid frum rattlin'--
Bill W.

 

[Terry NJ]

No Thanks! Warren Buffett gets enough of my money. George Soros owns Progressive, so I won't buy that no matter how clever some of the "Flo" ads are.
Terry

That's "GEICO!" Bill.. Geico's like Lizards.. Save 15%..

 

[katy]

another thing that's good to know is the condition of your balls.

ok.

 

[Dollar Bill]

I had excess play and found the pinch bolt on the pitman arm was loose and cotter key was missing. Unusually easy fix for me. Hope you're equally as lucky!