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Old 08-25-2019, 01:53 PM   #1
1930deluxe
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Default 1930 Tudor Sedan

I have tightened the adjustment on the steering box. The car shimmies terrible at 20 mph. Very little shimmy at highway speed. Do I need to have the steering box rebuilt?
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Old 08-25-2019, 02:52 PM   #2
Tudortomnz
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Default Re: 1930 Tudor Sedan

Check all the ball joints [ drag link ; tie rod etc] & make sure they are firm but not tight. Next drop radius rod under bell housing & check it has all the original springs & collars ; it must be able to flex, not be rigid. Check steering box is tight at chassis & pitman arm is tight at 'box.
I would read over one of the Model A maintenance books first unless you can do this all in your sleep.
I used to have this problem years ago, but correcting the above items cured it. Basically, adjusting the steering box reduces play & improves steering & driveability, but will not always help to eliminate shimmy. Cheers.
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Old 08-25-2019, 04:39 PM   #3
Bill G
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Default Re: 1930 Tudor Sedan

It's probably not the steering box. Mine did not go away until I addressed the slop in the way the ball at the end of the wishbone fits into the bottom of the flywheel housing. You should also check the Pitman arm where it connects to the steering gear output shaft. You should have zero play and tighten that bolt as tight as you can. Also check the drag link and tie rod ends.
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Old 08-25-2019, 04:45 PM   #4
whirnot
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Default Re: 1930 Tudor Sedan

Check wheel bearings first.
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Old 08-25-2019, 06:43 PM   #5
Mulletwagon
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Default Re: 1930 Tudor Sedan

Might start by jacking up the front axle and shaking each wheel horizontally and vertically. Also try to lift each wheel while jacked to see if there is any vertical displacement. Any play in the front end should be obvious. Adjusting the steering box should also be ccomplished with the front wheels off the ground. Good Luck.
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Old 08-25-2019, 07:29 PM   #6
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Default Re: 1930 Tudor Sedan

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I would also check all the wheels to be sure they are not bent...
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Old 08-26-2019, 06:17 AM   #7
1931 flamingo
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Default Re: 1930 Tudor Sedan

As above, ck for any looseness starting at the pitman arm. Also ck the ball on the end of the wishbone for wear and/or if there's a rubber ball over it. Also ck toe-in. FWIW
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