With the front end on jack stands, I have about 4" of play in the steering wheel. Is this acceptable? Also How full should the steering box be? Everything seems tight, I feel no play in the king pins. I'm new to the Model A but I'm learning. Thanks in advance for all help. Harv
steering question 1931 coupe
- Thread starter HCash
- Start date
Tom Wesenberg
Well-known member
Do you have the "SERVICE BULLETINS"? They have a good description of how to do the steering box adjustments. 4" is too much and most of it might be removed with 4 steering box adjustments.
Also have someone move the steering wheel back and forth while you look at all the linkage for lost motion. The pitman arm bolt need to be very tight, as well as the steering box to frame bolts.
Also have someone move the steering wheel back and forth while you look at all the linkage for lost motion. The pitman arm bolt need to be very tight, as well as the steering box to frame bolts.
Kevin in NJ
Well-known member
What is the steering box full of? It should not be grease, but the heavy oil called 600W in the day.
The king pins should have no real play. Grab the wheel at the top and bottom and wiggle.
How tight are the wheel bearings?
What happens when you grab the front and back of the wheel and rock? This is a 2 person job. There should be no play in the system. Is there any play in the steering sector shaft? If there is any play here then you will want to have the box rebuilt.
Since the car is new to you then it is wise to take the ends apart and see how close to round the balls are, if not then you will want to get some nice round ones put on by A&L or other reputable company.
As for proper lubrication. I suggest you check the owners manual. It is fairly clear on how far to fill everything and how often. Though modern engine oil does not require a change at 500 miles, it can go much longer assuming you have oil with detergent and additives to prevent corrosion.
The king pins should have no real play. Grab the wheel at the top and bottom and wiggle.
How tight are the wheel bearings?
What happens when you grab the front and back of the wheel and rock? This is a 2 person job. There should be no play in the system. Is there any play in the steering sector shaft? If there is any play here then you will want to have the box rebuilt.
Since the car is new to you then it is wise to take the ends apart and see how close to round the balls are, if not then you will want to get some nice round ones put on by A&L or other reputable company.
As for proper lubrication. I suggest you check the owners manual. It is fairly clear on how far to fill everything and how often. Though modern engine oil does not require a change at 500 miles, it can go much longer assuming you have oil with detergent and additives to prevent corrosion.
You've got some good expert advice already. Jack the car up and grab either front wheel at top and bottom and try to rock. If there's play, you've got king pin or wheel bearing problems/wear/damage. With the car on the ground, have an assistant rock the steering wheel back and forth and look for movement in the linkage under the car. If there's looseness at the tie rod or drag link ball joints, these will need to be repaired. If on the other hand, there's little to no movement in these linkages and the pitman arm is still yet the steering wheel has loose movement back and forth, the steering gear box needs repair and/or adjustment.
I'm no expert, but did rebuild my 1930 coupe's 85 year old front end, steering, and brakes all the way out last winter and the difference is really unbelievable. Other things to look for as you get into a rebuilding project is the condition of the balls on the spindles and pitman arm. At 85 years of wear and the dirt roads of Model A days, these will frequently be ovoid shaped rather than round and will need to be drilled out and new balls welding in.
Don't be put off by everything though. I'm strictly a hobbyist yet I went through the entire front end, steering, and brakes last winter with a little machine shop help here and there and the result is really rewarding.
I'm no expert, but did rebuild my 1930 coupe's 85 year old front end, steering, and brakes all the way out last winter and the difference is really unbelievable. Other things to look for as you get into a rebuilding project is the condition of the balls on the spindles and pitman arm. At 85 years of wear and the dirt roads of Model A days, these will frequently be ovoid shaped rather than round and will need to be drilled out and new balls welding in.
Don't be put off by everything though. I'm strictly a hobbyist yet I went through the entire front end, steering, and brakes last winter with a little machine shop help here and there and the result is really rewarding.
Tom Wesenberg
Well-known member
If the steering balls are not round and need to be repaired, I'd send them to A&L or someone else that repairs them using the same quality method. They mill off the ball part, but leave the original shaft area intact. This is much stronger and safer than drilling a hole in the part and welding in a new shaft.