Restoring the Ford Model A - Seven Tooth Steering Box

Ford Model A - Seven Tooth Steering Box

My Ford Model A has a Seven Tooth Steering Box which was used in the 1928/29 model. This steering box is not the best construction and is the cause of oil leakage and hard steering. This is the reason why I have modified the whole steering box and made it much better than Ford has made it originally.

The idea to this modification is not from me but from Bob Barnes, Stratford, Connecticut. Bob has described all these Modifications in the September / October 2002 issue of 'The Restorer' (Club magazine of the MAFCA ). Bob has also supported me by sending blueprints how I have to make the conversion to needle bearings. Many thanks Bob for your help and support and as you can see everything worked fine!

Three of all four modifications are visible on this picture. On top of the picture you see the steering column end plate with the an additional O-ring. On the right is the Steering shaft felt retainer with an additional tube and at the bottom are the two needle bearings.

The fourth modification is made at the steering box itself. I have moved the original grease fitting by one inch to the right side (up). With this change you can fill more oil into the steering box and the steering bushing is better lubricated.

This hole had to be enlarged by a machine shop in order to install new needle bearings.

Here you see the version with needle bearings on top and with the original sector bushings below.

The needle bearings are pressed in.

Here are both on its place.

The self made distance tube is not really necessary but I wanted to be on the save side.

Finally the seal is pressed in.

Then the steering shaft with the steering worm and the bearings are inserted.

The end play is adjusted with brass gaskets

I have supported the steering column end plate with an O-ring to prevent oil leakage.

When there is no end play anymore of the sector shaft, the 7 tooth sector can be inserted.

When you mount the steering column end plate, use a gasket sealer.

Put also some Loctite to the threads of the three bolts.

When the plate is mounted, the end play can be adjusted.

This steering shaft felt retainer is available from Bratton's and is the last piece in the puzzle to make the steering box leakage free. In the lower part of the picture you see the original item. It may be necessary to enlarge the hole in the shaft a little bit so the tube will fit into the hole.

Then the spark and gas rods can be mounted.

Don't forget the steering shaft felt (anti rattler).

Finally the two control arms can be riveted to the rods.

Then you can fill the box with 600W oil and I'm confidential that I will never have any trouble with my steering box.

Source:  http://www.maurer-markus.ch/ford_a/mod_lenksaeule.en.html