The Ford Barn

1crosscut · 05-16-2020, 12:23 PM

The balls on my steering arms are worn and I'm going to replace them. I've drilled a couple of test holes in some 1/2" steel to test the fit of the replacement ball shafts.
A 1/2" hole allows the shaft on the balls to slide in relatively easy but has some side play.
I'm not comfortable with the amount of side play and would like have more of a press fit into the hole prior to welding it in place.
The next drill bit size smaller in my drill bit index is 31/64" and the hole is too small to allow the shaft of the replacement ball to be pushed in by hand. Perhaps it could be persuaded in with a press but it looks like it might be quite a struggle.
Is there a drill bit size available that is an in between the two?
Suggestions?

05-16-2020, 12:23 PM	#1
1crosscut Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Lincoln, Nebraska Posts: 1,909	Steering arm ball replacement The balls on my steering arms are worn and I'm going to replace them. I've drilled a couple of test holes in some 1/2" steel to test the fit of the replacement ball shafts. A 1/2" hole allows the shaft on the balls to slide in relatively easy but has some side play. I'm not comfortable with the amount of side play and would like have more of a press fit into the hole prior to welding it in place. The next drill bit size smaller in my drill bit index is 31/64" and the hole is too small to allow the shaft of the replacement ball to be pushed in by hand. Perhaps it could be persuaded in with a press but it looks like it might be quite a struggle. Is there a drill bit size available that is an in between the two? Suggestions? __________________ Dave / Lincoln Nebraska