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Old 07-19-2021, 11:56 PM   #1
maxandmickey
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Default steering

what can cause my model a to shake when i am driving,but it doesnt do it all the time.it just doesnt feel right and i dont see anything thats loose or bent.Any help would be great thank you.
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Old 07-20-2021, 12:09 AM   #2
Chuck Sea/Tac
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Default Re: steering

Is it your front end? Do you feel it thru the steering wheel? Does a bump or braking set it off? Or are you talking about a vibration?
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Old 07-20-2021, 05:29 AM   #3
Patrick L.
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Default Re: steering

If you feel this thru the steering wheel then something in the system is loose. And it can be anything from the box adjustment all the way thru to the wheel bearings and anything in between.




Could also be wheel balance. We need more info.

Last edited by Patrick L.; 07-20-2021 at 11:14 AM.
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Old 07-20-2021, 06:54 AM   #4
Bob Bidonde
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Default Re: steering

Check these things plus check for a loose Pittman Arm, loose steering gear box, out-of-round ball joints, wheel alignment, and loose lug nuts.

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Old 07-20-2021, 10:10 AM   #5
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Default Re: steering

Jack up front axle to check king pins, or other parts. Loosen brake adjuster to check balance or better yet take to a tire shop that can balance the wheel dynamically. If you loosen brake adjuster, count the clicks to put them back in the same position.

Only other thing is if your caster angle is too great it can cause shimmy at higher speeds.
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Old 07-20-2021, 10:50 AM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by maxandmickey View Post
what can cause my model a to shake when i am driving.
You need to be more specific.
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Old 07-21-2021, 08:40 PM   #7
NZ28ModelA
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Default Re: steering

I presume you are talking about the steering "death wobble"... Its been talked about here plenty of times..
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Old 07-21-2021, 11:43 PM   #8
maxandmickey
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Default Re: steering

i dont feel it in the wheel at all.i will be driving fine and then front end shakes like crazy and i have to stop.
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Old 07-22-2021, 02:36 AM   #9
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Default Re: steering

Check the wishbone at the bellhousing.
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Old 07-23-2021, 10:11 AM   #10
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Default Re: steering

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Originally Posted by maxandmickey View Post
i dont feel it in the wheel at all.i will be driving fine and then front end shakes like crazy and i have to stop.

I have this, too. I don't feel it much in my steering wheel. I do some, but I can still control the car. I believe the reason for this is because the previous owner didn't fix the problem he just cranked the steering adjustment down till there's absolutely '0' play in the wheel and it steers harder than a car with power steering that isn't running!
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Old 07-23-2021, 12:13 PM   #11
1931 flamingo
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Default Re: steering

How old are the tires?? Balanced??
Paul in CT
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Old 07-23-2021, 03:06 PM   #12
Patrick L.
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Originally Posted by CatMan1 View Post
I have this, too. I don't feel it much in my steering wheel. I do some, but I can still control the car. I believe the reason for this is because the previous owner didn't fix the problem he just cranked the steering adjustment down till there's absolutely '0' play in the wheel and it steers harder than a car with power steering that isn't running!


What steering box do you have ? An adjustment may be in order. The 2 tooth box is adjustable, but, the 4 adjustments need to preformed in proper order. Best instructions are in the Service Bulletins.
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Old 07-23-2021, 03:34 PM   #13
CatMan1
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Originally Posted by Patrick L. View Post
What steering box do you have ? An adjustment may be in order. The 2 tooth box is adjustable, but, the 4 adjustments need to preformed in proper order. Best instructions are in the Service Bulletins.

My car is a '28. I'd have to check and see what box it has.
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Old 07-23-2021, 03:54 PM   #14
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Default Re: steering

Does it start to vibrate at a specific speed?...say around 40 mph?
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Old 07-23-2021, 04:20 PM   #15
Patrick L.
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My car is a '28. I'd have to check and see what box it has.



OK, whole new ball game. The '28 did not come with the 2 tooth box. So yours will probably have to come off and be taken apart, unless, it has been changed over to 2 tooth. But, I've only ever worked on 2 tooth. So, I'll defer to others.
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Old 07-23-2021, 11:18 PM   #16
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Default Re: steering

Toe-In would be my first check. It should be 1/16" and no more than 1/8".
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Old 07-24-2021, 05:19 AM   #17
bob from red oak
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Default Re: steering

i had similar issue when I bought my 29 A. I tried several things no change. even took it to shop who could find nothing. loose. Finally replaced radius ball and shaking was eliminated.
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Old 07-26-2021, 02:11 PM   #18
Rob Doe
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i had similar issue when I bought my 29 A. I tried several things no change. even took it to shop who could find nothing. loose. Finally replaced radius ball and shaking was eliminated.

Bob, you removed the front end, built a jig and cut off and replaced the ball entirely or installed a kit that tightens things up on the old ball?
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