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Classic/Antique Car Repair/Drag link/Pittman arm connection

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Expert: - 8/9/2010


Question

drag1
Dear Vern,

I have 2 1962 Rambler Americans, identical cars with sequential vin numbers.  These are not 'show cars' but are everyday drivers.  One is my wife's, the other is mine.

The ball type connector between the pittman arm and the drag link on mine is loose and creates a lot of play in the steering.  I need to know if the 'ball' is replaceable or if I can weld the 'saddle' in place to reduce play in this connection.  I have been unable to find a source for a new or NOS.  Also, there is an electrical wire going into the bottom of the steering gear box.  What is this for.  I can find no reference to it on the schematics and am at a total loss. I have 2 other pics which may explain things further.  If needed, I would be happy to send these also.

Answer
Ok, this is not Verne, but Brad. I found your question in the "question pool". First, the wire. that is the horn wire and runs to the horn relay from the horn button to make the ground needed for the relay to toot the horn. The ball fitting question. Does you car have power steering or did it at one time have power steering? Using the picture that you provided as a reference, is there a plug with a cotter pin running through the tube at the right end of the tube? If there is this is an adjustment for the ball stud. Remove the cotter pin and with a BIG screw diver turn the plug in until the free play is just about gone. Now turn the steering wheel back and forth to make sure there is no binding. This is best done with he wheels off the ground. If there is binding it could be an indication that the ball has worn egg shaped meaning  new pitman arm is in order or you might get by with backing off the adjustment a bit. My stock answer for “where can I find….” Is to latch on to a copy of Hemmings Motor News, the old car hobbies classified bible. There are many companies that supply parts for old cars and you will find them in Hemmings. www.hemmings.com
Brad  

Brad Sears

Expertise

All automotive including antique and collectible. However if the car has been modified I can only answer in general terms and maybe get you pointed in the right direction.

Experience

Automotive tech instructor. Syndicated auto columnist 1970's though the early 1990's. Syndicated auto radio talk show, Ask Brad About cars, CBS Radio 70's through 90's TV Show "Last Chance Garage" 1980's PBS-TV syndicated. Auto instructor for the following companies: Fram Autolyte Holly Carter AMF Ford Motor University Of Conn Blue Hills Technical School Sugar River Technical Center Grew up in a family garage in Needham Mass and turned wrenches from the age of 14.

Publications
Manchester Union Leader, Nashua Telegraph, Motor Service Magazine, Yankee Magazine, Popular Mechanics (Saturday Mechanic early 80's), Los Angeles Times, New York Times, and lots more.

Education/Credentials
More than I care to remember. Basically Franklin Technical Institute in Boston, Northeastern University, Fitchburg State Teachers College, Tufts University, and a lot of factory schools along the way.

Awards and Honors
Moto Award winner. And much more.

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