The Ford Barn

1929 Leatherback · 12-12-2021, 07:28 PM

Good evening guys, I am seeking opinions on my 7 tooth steering rebuild. Question is, do I machine the the steering box to install bearings for the sector gear or do I just rebush it. I would like to put oil back in in the gear box, it had grease. This car will only be driven seasonally seeing as how I live in Wisconsin, no winter driving for it!

Thank you in advance!

Ken

Synchro909 · 12-12-2021, 07:32 PM

I would stick with the bushes as per Henry but I'd machine a recess at the pitman arm end of the sector shaft to take a modern seal and use the long tube that goes up the middle of the steering shaft. I do that with mine and have come to the conclusion that most of the criticism of the 7 tooth box is unfounded if restored correctly.

GRutter · 12-12-2021, 08:12 PM

x2 Synchro909
I am a firm believer that the needle bearing option does not provide enough support to the sector shaft.

J Franklin · 12-12-2021, 09:33 PM

RE-bush, I found that an O-ring, even without a recess, works as a seal as long as it is lubed on install. Do use the accessory tube from the end. My car is easy steering without leaks.

1929 Leatherback · 12-12-2021, 09:52 PM

Thanks for the replies!! I think I am going to go with the recommendations and re-bush and install a seal on the sector gear.

Thanks again!!

Model A Ron · 12-12-2021, 11:46 PM

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My 29 seven tooth steering was not safe when I got it. The two tooth is far superior and that may be an option for you. After considering my options I contacted Randy Gross and got a F100 steering box grafted to a 29 column. My steering has zero play and for the most part its feels like power steering found on todays rack and pinion systems.

For my 31 Victoria Fine point build the F100 box is not an option but to be honest most people would not know.....looks a lot like a two tooth at first glance.

12-12-2021, 07:28 PM	#1
1929 Leatherback Member Join Date: Jul 2021 Location: Central Wisconsin Posts: 31	Steering opinions Good evening guys, I am seeking opinions on my 7 tooth steering rebuild. Question is, do I machine the the steering box to install bearings for the sector gear or do I just rebush it. I would like to put oil back in in the gear box, it had grease. This car will only be driven seasonally seeing as how I live in Wisconsin, no winter driving for it! Thank you in advance! Ken

12-12-2021, 07:32 PM	#2
Synchro909 Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: Melbourne, Australia Posts: 7,496	Re: Steering opinions I would stick with the bushes as per Henry but I'd machine a recess at the pitman arm end of the sector shaft to take a modern seal and use the long tube that goes up the middle of the steering shaft. I do that with mine and have come to the conclusion that most of the criticism of the 7 tooth box is unfounded if restored correctly. __________________ I'm part of the only ever generation with an analogue childhood and a digital adulthood.

12-12-2021, 08:12 PM	#3
GRutter Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2017 Location: Mint Hill, North Carolina Posts: 386	Re: Steering opinions x2 Synchro909 I am a firm believer that the needle bearing option does not provide enough support to the sector shaft.

12-12-2021, 09:33 PM	#4
J Franklin Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Oregon Posts: 5,964	Re: Steering opinions RE-bush, I found that an O-ring, even without a recess, works as a seal as long as it is lubed on install. Do use the accessory tube from the end. My car is easy steering without leaks.

12-12-2021, 09:52 PM	#5
1929 Leatherback Member Join Date: Jul 2021 Location: Central Wisconsin Posts: 31	Re: Steering opinions Thanks for the replies!! I think I am going to go with the recommendations and re-bush and install a seal on the sector gear. Thanks again!!

12-12-2021, 11:46 PM	#6
Model A Ron Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2021 Location: Troutman, NC Posts: 717	Re: Steering opinions Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) My 29 seven tooth steering was not safe when I got it. The two tooth is far superior and that may be an option for you. After considering my options I contacted Randy Gross and got a F100 steering box grafted to a 29 column. My steering has zero play and for the most part its feels like power steering found on todays rack and pinion systems. For my 31 Victoria Fine point build the F100 box is not an option but to be honest most people would not know.....looks a lot like a two tooth at first glance.