Well, I've started work on my daughter and my '17 Speedster project. Took the engine and transmission to Schwalm's for a rebuild, and started dis-assembling the chassis components for rebuild/replace/repaint. I've done Model A tear-downs, but not a Model T before. Right off the bat I ran into a difficulty with removing the steering gear.

The black service manual states to remove the castle nut at the bottom, then remove the ball arm with a hammer. I've removed the castle nut, and banged on the ball arm, but it hasn't budged. Before resorting to the "bigger hammer" theory, I'm I missing something or is there a better way to remove the ball arm?

Wayne, I've used a hammer and block of wood on most units but had to resort to a small gear puller I happened to have on hand for one unit. Others may have an easier idea.....Michael Pawelek

Heat it up with a fire wrench and let cool, should pop right off.

I use a sledge hammer to back-up one side, and smack it with a big hammer on the other. This makes the tapered hole in the arm spit the shaft out.

I've used a "bearing splitter" and a two arm puller.

I use a hammer and a punch. One good whack turns it loose unless it is rusted solid.

If it's really stuck I'd soak it with 50-50 ATF/acetone and use the gear puller.

Well I finally had a chance to get back to the Speedster. Having reviewed the responses to my post, I elected to try the bigger hammer theory. About 15 min. of tapping all around with a 20oz hammer and the arm finally popped off. Then spent a very enjoyable day removing the remnants of the old body (old wooden speedster body, nothing really salvagable and definately not period) to reveal what seems to be a very nice chassis complete with
Warford and Rocky Mountains.

Pic of today's product with my co-wrencher:



Next workorder is a thorough clean to see what we have.