Expert: jack bahm - 9/10/2008

Question
Hi Jack, I have a 1929 model and sometimes when I drive over bumps the left front wheel will wobble. I have to put on the brakes to stop the wobble. The kingpins are tight, the locking bolts are tight holding the kingpins, the wheel bearing have been checked, the front end has been aligned with a slight toe in, and the steering box has been adjusted with almost no play. I think the problem could be with the tie rod ends or draglink end. I am not sure how to adjust them other then making them snug. Do you have any ideas that might help other then adding a steering stabilizer? Thanks Mark

Answer
OK, here is what you do.  Make sure the strg gear is adjusted at all three points.  End play of the sector shaft, two tooth gear pushed all the way into the worm gear, and the excentric sp??? adjustment.  This is the one that is hard to get to, but it alligns the two tooth gear to the center of the worm.
Tighten the drag link ends so the springs are bottomed out.  I know the book says to leave them loose, but that always causes shimmy for me.  Tighten them ou.
Do the same thing to the tie rod ends.
Make damn sure you have 3/16 in toe in.  Make sure about the toe in.  It is very important.  I have fixed many by doing this, but that toe in is key.
Good luck
jack

Mark, I forgot two more things to check.  Sitting behind the left ft. wheel, grab the pitman arm and try to push and pull it toward you.  If it moves, it is either the pinch blot that holds it on to the sector shaft or the bushings of the sector shaft are worn.  The pinch bolt must be super tight, and the bushings must be tight.  If you have to replace the bushings, it is a big job because it is hard to get the gear out of the car.
Good luck
jack