The Ford Barn

steve hackel · 10-29-2016, 01:38 PM

IN reading over many of the old posts regarding the rebuilding and adjusting of a 30/31 - 2 tooth steering box, most are referring to the "service bulletins" as the go to source for the correct procedures. I have everything done, cleaned & ready for adjustments..... new worm gear, needle bearings for the sector shaft etc and all new parts. Can anyone post a picture of the service bulletin or a reprint of the bulletin so that I can print it out and take it out to the work bench with me and finish this part of the project? Thanks, Steve

30ccpickup · 10-29-2016, 01:58 PM

Here are picture, plus you can down load a PDF.
http://modelabasics.com/twoTooth.htm

Terry, NJ · 10-29-2016, 02:06 PM

Is it in the car or out? I found it makes a difference if the gearbox has no "load" on it. There is a sequence to the adjustments. I am not sure what it is but it would seem logical that you should do the bearings first. These are the adj screw for the sector shaft and the adj. of the worm. Once you've eliminated the end play in these two shafts. Be very careful of the adj. on the steering that looks a grease zerk was there and someone lost it and put a 3/8-24 bolt in it's place. This tightens the upper race and they can and do split. Run your thumbnail around the bearing race of the old one and you will probably find a crack/split Then and only then can you adj the mesh of the gears. There is a sequence and I don't know what it is. You'll have to play with it until you get it or someone who knows more than I do, about it. Good Luck!
Terry

Y-Blockhead · 10-29-2016, 02:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 30ccpickup

Here are picture, plus you can down load a PDF.
http://modelabasics.com/twoTooth.htm

That's a nice picture, thanks for posting. I printed it for My 'Model A Book'.

Herb Concord Ca · 10-29-2016, 04:09 PM

You will have to go the the 4 steps a few times because they interact with each other.

Bob C · 10-29-2016, 08:12 PM

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

Looks fine on mine with firefox.

Bob

Tom Wesenberg · 10-29-2016, 08:25 PM

I'm using Explorer 7 and it opened fine.

Y-Blockhead · 10-29-2016, 08:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by forever4

Does anyone else get the scrambled web page view on the link?
Same result in Firefox and Safari?

I didn't notice that the first time I opened it but I do now... I think the first time I clicked on the "printable version" and it appears OK and prints out OK.

I'm using a Mac with Safari.

Bob C · 10-29-2016, 08:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Terry, NJ

Is it in the car or out? I found it makes a difference if the gearbox has no "load" on it. There is a sequence to the adjustments. I am not sure what it is but it would seem logical that you should do the bearings first. These are the adj screw for the sector shaft and the adj. of the worm. Once you've eliminated the end play in these two shafts. Be very careful of the adj. on the steering that looks a grease zerk was there and someone lost it and put a 3/8-24 bolt in it's place. This tightens the upper race and they can and do split. Run your thumbnail around the bearing race of the old one and you will probably find a crack/split Then and only then can you adj the mesh of the gears. There is a sequence and I don't know what it is. You'll have to play with it until you get it or someone who knows more than I do, about it. Good Luck!
Terry

Here it is.

Terry, NJ · 10-30-2016, 08:19 AM

Two Things! First, I wrote that to reinforce the idea that I'm only trying to put him and anyone reading that, on the right track, not to spell out what is to be done. Secondly, Although I neglected to mention it then, I'll mention it now. As I understand it, there are 4 (Four) adjustments , not three as stated in the article. These are 1 and 2, the endplay of the two shafts and 3 and 4 the two gear mesh adjustments. One of which is done with a slotted head pin at the bottom of the gearbox. The other is done at the top of the gear box with a 7/8 locknut. Each one of these operations is separate and independent.
Terry

steve hackel · 10-30-2016, 11:53 AM

Thanks for all the help - I gathered all my books and one from a friend and started to compare what each of them were telling me to do. I did order a CD of all the service bulletins for future jobs. The books and pictures do not tell
or show the proper orientation of the "eccentric adjuster" (upper RH corner
of sector shaft housing) when starting from scratch with all new parts. I did go out to my friends car and take some close up shots of the box to get a starting point for mine. I just assume that the lower eccentric rivet would start in a neutral / straight position, but both his & mine were off center and I doubt that both of these were worked on since they left the factory 85 years ago, so why would both of them have been turned clockwise a little?
Confusing with so much information out there and just one or two small details like this creates a problem and I need to turn to all of you for help

Patrick L. · 10-30-2016, 12:16 PM

Well, it happens. Just go thru all 4 adjustments in proper order then repeat a couple more times. It should then turn out OK and it doesn't take long.

Terry, NJ · 10-30-2016, 02:51 PM

A steering box is not the easiest thing to rebuild! It takes some courage! Pat yourself on the back for attempting it! Many would not! Just remember not to "Gorillaize" the upper race bolt. You can split the race, not a big deal! You'll just have an annoying click as the bearings pass over the area. And I'm sure you don't want that in your new box.
Terry

Y-Blockhead · 10-30-2016, 03:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tbirdtbird

Y-block that is not my quote

tbirdtbird, I deleted my posts...

Tom Wesenberg · 10-30-2016, 04:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Terry, NJ

A steering box is not the easiest thing to rebuild! It takes some courage! Pat yourself on the back for attempting it! Many would not! Just remember not to "Gorillaize" the upper race bolt. You can split the race, not a big deal! You'll just have an annoying click as the bearings pass over the area. And I'm sure you don't want that in your new box.
Terry

And be sure the CLAMPING bolt is loose when you lightly snug the bolt that pushes against the bearing race.

steve hackel · 10-30-2016, 08:45 PM

"SUCCESS" only 2 1/2 hours and 27 attempts later, it's adjusted ................

Once I understood all the different issues that each adjustment presented, and knowing that each change meant that I had to go back and re-adjust the previous one or two steps, it started getting easier as I was dialing it in and towards the end I was starting to split hairs with how fine I could get each one. A little bit of paint & 600w oil and then the mast jacket & rods will be next to install. I'll re-check all the bolts tomorrow and have one more thing set aside till I get the engine bolted back together.
I am also rebuilding the rear axle with all new parts and am using Tom Endys assembly manual to follow along with the repairs. It's fun, now some 45 years after the last attempt with my grandfather guiding me back then.

10-29-2016, 01:38 PM	#1
steve hackel Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: midlothian illinois Posts: 468	Steering box adjustments IN reading over many of the old posts regarding the rebuilding and adjusting of a 30/31 - 2 tooth steering box, most are referring to the "service bulletins" as the go to source for the correct procedures. I have everything done, cleaned & ready for adjustments..... new worm gear, needle bearings for the sector shaft etc and all new parts. Can anyone post a picture of the service bulletin or a reprint of the bulletin so that I can print it out and take it out to the work bench with me and finish this part of the project? Thanks, Steve

10-29-2016, 01:58 PM	#2
30ccpickup Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Wakarusa, IN Posts: 932	Re: Steering box adjustments Here are picture, plus you can down load a PDF. http://modelabasics.com/twoTooth.htm __________________ http://MODELABASICS.com/ How Things Work on a Model "A" Ford Fordbarners, Feel free to use the pictures on my site to answer questions and create tutorials/tech articles.

10-29-2016, 02:06 PM	#3
Terry, NJ Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Bucks Co, Pa Posts: 3,749	Re: Steering box adjustments Is it in the car or out? I found it makes a difference if the gearbox has no "load" on it. There is a sequence to the adjustments. I am not sure what it is but it would seem logical that you should do the bearings first. These are the adj screw for the sector shaft and the adj. of the worm. Once you've eliminated the end play in these two shafts. Be very careful of the adj. on the steering that looks a grease zerk was there and someone lost it and put a 3/8-24 bolt in it's place. This tightens the upper race and they can and do split. Run your thumbnail around the bearing race of the old one and you will probably find a crack/split Then and only then can you adj the mesh of the gears. There is a sequence and I don't know what it is. You'll have to play with it until you get it or someone who knows more than I do, about it. Good Luck! Terry

10-29-2016, 04:09 PM	#5
Herb Concord Ca Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Concord CA Posts: 755	Re: Steering box adjustments You will have to go the the 4 steps a few times because they interact with each other.

10-29-2016, 08:12 PM	#6
Bob C Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: So Cal Posts: 9,360	Re: Steering box adjustments Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) Looks fine on mine with firefox. Bob

10-29-2016, 08:25 PM	#7
Tom Wesenberg Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Mpls, MN Posts: 27,582	Re: Steering box adjustments I'm using Explorer 7 and it opened fine.

10-30-2016, 08:19 AM	#10
Terry, NJ Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Bucks Co, Pa Posts: 3,749	Re: Steering box adjustments Two Things! First, I wrote that to reinforce the idea that I'm only trying to put him and anyone reading that, on the right track, not to spell out what is to be done. Secondly, Although I neglected to mention it then, I'll mention it now. As I understand it, there are 4 (Four) adjustments , not three as stated in the article. These are 1 and 2, the endplay of the two shafts and 3 and 4 the two gear mesh adjustments. One of which is done with a slotted head pin at the bottom of the gearbox. The other is done at the top of the gear box with a 7/8 locknut. Each one of these operations is separate and independent. Terry

10-30-2016, 11:53 AM	#11
steve hackel Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: midlothian illinois Posts: 468	Re: Steering box adjustments Thanks for all the help - I gathered all my books and one from a friend and started to compare what each of them were telling me to do. I did order a CD of all the service bulletins for future jobs. The books and pictures do not tell or show the proper orientation of the "eccentric adjuster" (upper RH corner of sector shaft housing) when starting from scratch with all new parts. I did go out to my friends car and take some close up shots of the box to get a starting point for mine. I just assume that the lower eccentric rivet would start in a neutral / straight position, but both his & mine were off center and I doubt that both of these were worked on since they left the factory 85 years ago, so why would both of them have been turned clockwise a little? Confusing with so much information out there and just one or two small details like this creates a problem and I need to turn to all of you for help

10-30-2016, 12:16 PM	#12
Patrick L. Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Largo Florida Posts: 7,225	Re: Steering box adjustments Well, it happens. Just go thru all 4 adjustments in proper order then repeat a couple more times. It should then turn out OK and it doesn't take long.

10-30-2016, 02:51 PM	#13
Terry, NJ Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Bucks Co, Pa Posts: 3,749	Re: Steering box adjustments A steering box is not the easiest thing to rebuild! It takes some courage! Pat yourself on the back for attempting it! Many would not! Just remember not to "Gorillaize" the upper race bolt. You can split the race, not a big deal! You'll just have an annoying click as the bearings pass over the area. And I'm sure you don't want that in your new box. Terry

10-30-2016, 08:45 PM	#16
steve hackel Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: midlothian illinois Posts: 468	Re: Steering box adjustments "SUCCESS" only 2 1/2 hours and 27 attempts later, it's adjusted ................ Once I understood all the different issues that each adjustment presented, and knowing that each change meant that I had to go back and re-adjust the previous one or two steps, it started getting easier as I was dialing it in and towards the end I was starting to split hairs with how fine I could get each one. A little bit of paint & 600w oil and then the mast jacket & rods will be next to install. I'll re-check all the bolts tomorrow and have one more thing set aside till I get the engine bolted back together. I am also rebuilding the rear axle with all new parts and am using Tom Endys assembly manual to follow along with the repairs. It's fun, now some 45 years after the last attempt with my grandfather guiding me back then.