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GRutter · 09-06-2020, 09:14 PM

If alignment and toe in is OK, then wandering from side to side would almost certainly be a sign of play in the steering linkages somewhere. (Note: Most alignment shops don't have a clue how to check the alignment on a model A, and modern computerized laser equipment doesn't have the settings entered to be able to align)

First, follow the guidance of Jim (Posting 3 above) to check toe-in and to look for play in the king pins and linkages.

The 7-tooth box does not have an adjustment for sector and worm mesh, and the bushings are subject to wear. With the front wheels raised off the ground, pull up and push down on the steering wheel to see if there is ANY up and down play in the steering shaft. Any up and down movement would allow your vehicle to wander, and is an indication of the bearings not being shimmed correctly.

I know you said you checked steering with a dial indicator.. not sure what you checked or under what conditions, as the only adjustment on the 7 tooth box is sector end play. You indicated that you checked in a vise... did you recently rebuild your steering box ?

09-06-2020, 09:14 PM	#4
GRutter Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2017 Location: Mint Hill, North Carolina Posts: 386	Re: Wandering If alignment and toe in is OK, then wandering from side to side would almost certainly be a sign of play in the steering linkages somewhere. (Note: Most alignment shops don't have a clue how to check the alignment on a model A, and modern computerized laser equipment doesn't have the settings entered to be able to align) First, follow the guidance of Jim (Posting 3 above) to check toe-in and to look for play in the king pins and linkages. The 7-tooth box does not have an adjustment for sector and worm mesh, and the bushings are subject to wear. With the front wheels raised off the ground, pull up and push down on the steering wheel to see if there is ANY up and down play in the steering shaft. Any up and down movement would allow your vehicle to wander, and is an indication of the bearings not being shimmed correctly. I know you said you checked steering with a dial indicator.. not sure what you checked or under what conditions, as the only adjustment on the 7 tooth box is sector end play. You indicated that you checked in a vise... did you recently rebuild your steering box ?