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Ford Model A - Seven Tooth Steering Box

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!

Seven Tooth Steering Box

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.

Seven Tooth Steering Box

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.

Seven Tooth Steering Box

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

Seven Tooth Steering Box

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

Seven Tooth Steering Box

The needle bearings are pressed in.

Seven Tooth Steering Box

Here are both on its place.

Seven Tooth Steering Box

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

Seven Tooth Steering Box

Finally the seal is pressed in.

Seven Tooth Steering Box

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

Seven Tooth Steering Box

The end play is adjusted with brass gaskets

Seven Tooth Steering Box

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

Seven Tooth Steering Box

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

Seven Tooth Steering Box

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

Seven Tooth Steering Box

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

Seven Tooth Steering Box

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

Seven Tooth Steering Box

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.

Seven Tooth Steering Box

Then the spark and gas rods can be mounted.

Seven Tooth Steering Box

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

Seven Tooth Steering Box

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

Seven Tooth Steering Box

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