28 roadster slack at pitman arm

[ford28roadster]

I need help on fixing the slack on the steering on a 28 roadster. the slack appears at the attachment of the pitman arm to the steering shaft. what are the exact steps to fix this ? thanks john

[BRENT in 10-uh-C]

Hi John, start by checking the Pitman Arm bolt to verify it is indeed tightly clamping the arm onto the Sector shaft. If it is, then check the Sector shaft bushings for wear by moving the arm up & down. From there if that is within specs, you may need to remove some shims to tighten the worm to sector clearances providing you do have a 7-tooth steering box. In the interim, welcome to Fordbarn!!

.

[johnbuckley]

For Pitman arm to steering box shaft; ensure you have the correct ( hardened) nut and bolt on the Pitman arm , ensure there is no crud on the faces of the pitman arm impeding closure. Tighten it up (remember to re-insert split pin!), check it again for tightness 200 miles later.

[Tom Wesenberg]

I saw one pitman arm that was used with the bolt slightly loose for such a long time that the square on the sector shaft actually had slightly rounded sides. Once that happens you'll never be able to lock it tight.

[BILL WILLIAMSON]

Originally Posted by Tom Wesenberg

I saw one pitman arm that was used with the bolt slightly loose for such a long time that the square on the sector shaft actually had slightly rounded sides. Once that happens you'll never be able to lock it tight.

Saw one like that & the guy actually WELDED the Pitman arm to the Sector shaft---------AYE YIE YIE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Bill W.

[ford28roadster]

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thanks guys. the nut on the arm is tight and square. I think it must be bushings in steering ? when the car is jacked up you can turn the wheel a few inches before the wheels turn. everything else feels tight . if so exactly how do you put new bushings in ? thanks for all your help. john

[Tom Wesenberg]

If it's the bushings you should see the shaft and arm move up and down when someone turnss the steering wheel back and forth. I'd look for lost motion at all the steering parts while someone else moves the steering wheel back and forth. You might get lucky and just need a steering box adjustment to take up play.

Bushings can be pressed out and in once you remove the steering from the car and take it apart.

[Fullraceflathead]

I did my Sector shaft bushings with the 7 tooth steering box in the car.
I made a video of it but haven't uploaded it. I used 1/2" all thread rod 12" long with a small bushing driver I made out of aluminum. I also used sockets a 36mm on the outside of the frame to catch the old bushings as a pulled them out with the all thread rod.
There is enough room for the sector to come out towards the engine and it will even clear the starter when you rotate it down.

[31Tudor]

You did make it sound like the slack was at the pitman arm and the steering shaft. The best would be to have someone rock the steering wheel for you and lay underneath and look for sure. If the movement is there then as Tom mentioned there is probably some wear there from it running loose, since you mentioned that it was tight. In that case the wear is either on the pitman arm, which could then be easily replaced, or on the steering shaft itself, which can also be replaced.

[Fullraceflathead]

I just finished uploading the Video I made showing how to replace the Sector and shaft end cap Bushing without removing the steering box.

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?lis...1kpxH2TLliMjIX