Steering Column Upper Bushing
 

Working on a 7 tooth and noticed the upper steering column bushing came with screws but no screw holes . Do I install the rods and anti rattlers and drill and tap ? Its going to be a tight fit .

Re: Steering Column Upper Bushing
 

See Model A Ford Mechanics Handbook, Volume I, page 1-306. It says "The upper column bushing is held in place with a screw on each side of the control quadrant. The screws must be removed before driving out the bushing." It goes on to explain how to remove the bushing and that it is pot metal and may break.

Look for the tapped holes. They may be filled in with grease or other stuff.

The Model A Ford Mechanics Handbook has been very helpful for me.

Re: Steering Column Upper Bushing
 

This is a new part it came with screws but no tapped holes . I'm putting this back together I'm done with taking it apart thanks .

Re: Steering Column Upper Bushing
 

no big deal, you need to drill and tap the holes.

Re: Steering Column Upper Bushing
 

Yes repro bushing will need drill and tapped 10/ 32 ,I just put one in .

Re: Steering Column Upper Bushing
 

Thanks did you install the spark an gas rods first ? then drill an tapp in place ? I'm afraid once bushing goes in its staying

Re: Steering Column Upper Bushing
 

They likely were worried about fit problems so they left them unfinished to be hand fit to each column.

Re: Steering Column Upper Bushing
 

not to sound contrary but it can be more difficult for us rank amateurs to orecisely punch, drill and tap tiny holes on a tube than what it might seem. if the hole is off to some minutae the spark/throttle roads won't align on the quandrants quite correctly, nor on the accelerator linkage, which already is often haywire.

Re: Steering Column Upper Bushing
 

The 7 tooth steering bushing had the screws you speak of. The 2 tooth steering did not have the screws. Maybe you ordered the wrong bushing or the vender sent the wrong one. Good venders carry both.

Re: Steering Column Upper Bushing
 

The sealed plastic bag had this tag 7 TOOTH STEERING UPPER BUSHING WITH TWO MOUNTING SCREWS . I have the bushing in and one rod out the bottom the other rod is giving me a problem . As soon as I coax the wayward rod in I will drill and tap the aluminum bushing it looks close to the one that came out but half the weight of the old one .

Re: Steering Column Upper Bushing
 

The 2-tooth steering shaft bushings used screw retention till Jun of 1930 so some of the later units have screws. I know the mid to late 1929 2-tooth types did. The later ones after the change in Jun of 1930 have a V notch to prevent turning of the bushing after it is driven in place.

Not all sources tell you they are undrilled. I checked a few and Bratton's has a statement to that effect.

Re: Steering Column Upper Bushing
 

I tried for a couple of hours to to get both spark and throttle rods in no luck . So I took the whole steering assembly apart with the steering shaft out of the way and the upper bushing loose so I could align the rods I started them in then drove the upper bushing home. Installed steering shaft and put it all back together the Ford Service Bulletins starting at page 240 had all the info I needed to do this right the first time . Now the next problem the repop control rod arms are too small and need to be drilled but they look real weak / cheap . A little reaming and filing their on the little springs and pins were fun but seem to work fine .

Re: Steering Column Upper Bushing
 

The old girl is fighting me all the way. I had to take it apart again the steering shaft retainer with tube would only start in then stick. So, I reamed the end of the steering shaft a little I think I'm good to go again.

Re: Steering Column Upper Bushing
 

Just ream the hole up slightly to enable the tube to fit.

Re: Steering Column Upper Bushing
 

The steering assembly is mounted and the front wheels turn right and left on to the next step. Thanks for the help.