Expert: jack bahm - 9/30/2009

Question
How do i adjust the steering on a 1930 model a coupe?

Answer
That is a very big question.  There are 4 adjustments.  You will have to get the book of service bulletins to really understand how to do this.  Very few guys in our club ac do it.
I'll give you a quick outline of how I approach it.
1- loosen both collar bolts at the base of the column.  This loosens the gear from the collumn and loosens the gear on the upper race.  They are both horizontal, so you will find them.
Then, loosen the lock nut on top of the gear and tighten(carefully) the 9/16 bolt that pushes down on the race to take slop out of the worm.  Don't break it and don't get it too tight.  Not easy!!!!
Next is an easy one.  On the inboard side of the gear, there is a large lock nut.  Loosen it and tighten the center bolt.  This takes the slop out of the sector shaft.  Tighten the lock nut.
Now, loosen all 4 bolts that hold the gear together.  These are 5/8, horizontal.  Hard to get at, and if you loosen them too much, oil will flow out.  From the outboard side of the gear, loosen a large lock nut That is around one of the bolts you just loosened.  This is an excentric.  Turn it clockwise and it drives the sector teeth into the worm.  Get it too tight and you won't be able to turn the steering wheel when you put weight on the ft. wheels.  This is not easy.  Stick with it.  You can back things off to try again, but this is an improtant adjustment.
The 4th adjustment is done with the gear out of the car and I won't go into that one.  Get the book and study it.
Now, tighten up both ends of the drag link and tie rod.  Get those tight on the ball.  I know the books say to let the spring do the work, but I don't.  Take the cotter pin out and drive that big screw in.  Not tight, but leave no slop.Last, make damn sure you have the proper toe in.  If you don't, it will shimmy.
Hope this helps.
Good luck
jack