Steering Box Adjustment

[Paul in Colorado]

On my 1930 Town Sedan, the tight spot on the steering box is to the left of center. When it is adjusted for minimum play at that point, there is too much play at dead center. I believe I need to make the centering adjustment described in Les Andrews' books. Is there any way to make this adjustment without removing the steering column from the car?

[BobinDallas]

Nope. You can use Les Andrews book or several articles in Restorer/Model A News. The adjustment is a sequence of events, each building on the former to get a smooth, easy turning box. I spent about 6 hours assembling, adjusting, disassembling and checking tooth mesh/contact to get the proper play at the center and smooth operation across the whole range. A real PITA, but worth it after it is back in the car. Be careful to watch for "gotchas" in the instructions. Get the material to read, go through it several times until you understand everything before you take the column out of the car. Once taken apart, get the required repair parts, a can of Dykem and go at it. Good Luck

[Mike V. Florida]

Since the steering of the car is mostly keeping it in the lanes and following the bends in the the road I would think that the center is where most of the wear takes place. If the center of the sector gear is worn I would also think that adjusting out the play in the center would cause tightness or even lock before the wheels move all the way one direction of the other.

[Peter J]

Paul,
You didn't mention whether the box has new parts in it or is unknown. I rebuilt my 2 tooth and had a little too much slack in it. I adjusted the mesh with it still in the car.
Pete

[John Butts in CT]

Originally Posted by fordgarage

Yes, You can adjust it in the car, but on the bench is easier IMO.

Use the instructions in the original Ford Service Bulletins.

Couldn't agree more. When in doubt, read the Service Bulletins.

[Paul in Colorado]

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The car was restored in 1968 by the Kalamazoo (Michigan) Antique Auto Restorers Club and awarded as a door prize at their swap meet that year. It was hardly ever driven after that until I bought it from the winner in 2005. The February 1968 club newsletter states: "...the steering gear sector, generator, and starter have been rebuilt". There is no tight spot to the right of center, leading me to believe that the centering was not properly adjusted after rebuilding it. I don't believe it needs to be rebuilt.

I have read and understand the instructions in the service bulletins, but I don't see a way to adjust it in the car since the adjusting screw is apparently inside the frame. I would at least like to know how it can be done in the car, as Ford Garage indicates is possible. I may well decide that it is not worth the effort, and may remove it anyway.

Thanks,
Paul

[JoeWay]

Originally Posted by Paul in Colorado

The car was restored in 1968 by the Kalamazoo (Michigan) Antique Auto Restorers Club and awarded as a door prize at their swap meet that year. It was hardly ever driven after that until I bought it from the winner in 2005. The February 1968 club newsletter states: "...the steering gear sector, generator, and starter have been rebuilt". There is no tight spot to the right of center, leading me to believe that the centering was not properly adjusted after rebuilding it. I don't believe it needs to be rebuilt.

I have read and understand the instructions in the service bulletins, but I don't see a way to adjust it in the car since the adjusting screw is apparently inside the frame. I would at least like to know how it can be done in the car, as Ford Garage indicates is possible. I may well decide that it is not worth the effort, and may remove it anyway.

Thanks,
Paul

All the adjustments are accessible and all can be made with the box in the car. It's not nearly as easy to get to the centering adjustment in the car as it is below the sector on the frame side (but not INSIDE the frame), but in many cases that's the only way to get it right since the center of box travel does not necessarily coincide with the center of all the components in the car.

You'll need a good-sized right-angle screwdriver, or possible a driver bit on a socket flex handle. Once you get the hang of it you can do it from above, reaching down into the engine compartment.

Joe

[Paul in Colorado]

Thanks Joe (and all of you). That was the information I needed. It sounds like I will be able to do it. I will have to take a closer look when I get the car back home. It is in storage right now.

Paul