MTFCA Forum

Looks like a lot of steering column threads lately. So here is a question on the one I am working on. Does anyone know exactly where this felt washer goes? I’ve looked at multiple parts break downs but don’t see it. Also seems like there is no break down for the 26-27 columns. Anyways here’s a picture of the washer in the book. Thanks
Bryant

Many lower steering brackets on the frame have an annular groove in the bracket for the felt washer. Your Tudor bracket does not have a groove and does not use a felt.

Hey thanks for the information! I have one coming in my order so I guess I will be out the 50 cents
Bryant

Save it for your next restoration. Every T owner has boxes of extra parts. They accumulate until you realize you have enough to build another car.

Yeah I’ve heard Model T’s multiply!
Bryant

Here is an old discussion worth reading about why no felt for the improved car steering bracket https://www.mtfca.com/discus/messages/7 ... 1498363612
If you think about it the felt washer was placed on the top end of the bracket. To keep grease in or water/dirt out?

Thanks Frank! That was an interesting read
Bryant

Rebuilding this column has been a lot of fun so far. I have enjoyed going thru it. I decided to try to save my steering shaft instead of buying one. Here’s some progress pictures.the shaft was worn and wavy.

So I welded it up!

Then turned it down!

Then I broke out the Atlas tool post grinder!

And finished the last few thou!

I am happy with the results. next I will size to a new bushing when it shows up.
Bryant

WOW! Excellent. Looks like you should be working on Ferraris.

Very nice. Yes, thats how its done. Well documented. Thats restoration, not replacement work.

Thanks fellas. You think Ferrari would let me in?

For those of you that have been here before what is a good clearance to aim for for the steering bracket bushing? The steering shaft is at .750
I can’t seem to find a general rule. Is this a by “feel” thing. I did see in the book the gear case clearance is not to be over .006 so I guess I know what to much is. Thanks
Bryant

John, I was prepared to say the same thing...
it is gratifying to see that someone is still actually doing restoration work

Bryant...I am not in my barn or I'd check...was the rest of the shaft actually .750, or was it perhaps .748? I know nothing of the factory methods but have to believe that either the bushing was oversize or shaft was undersize, without having to custom match the parts by reaming, etc. Would be interesting to be able to see the drawings of these two parts...

what a visual treat!

I had .750 in a few spots so that’s what I chose. The newly surfaced part is definitely .750 and the bushing I received today appears to come in at .749.
Bryant

Myself, I'd fit it to .002 over the shaft after assembly to casting.

I cannot honestly recall how I have done them as it has been a looooong time since the last one. I likely have a .752 reamer somewhere though...

If you have the capability to do some real measuring, and I'll bet you do, you might want to establish how much of an interference fit the bushing will be to the casting and then calculate back as to what you might want to bore the bushing to, first, before pressing, and try to hit it on the head without having to spend $$ on a reamer.

.752 I will check the reams at work tomorrow and see if I can find one. If not I might have to calculate.
Bryant

So my work reamer pile did not produce the proper size for the job so I decided to stop by a friends machine shop on the way home. After careful consideration we decided to do the job on the Sunnen. Pressed the bushing in on the trusty Arbor press . Started the honing process to get the bushing round and back to .750. Then pressed on until we hit .752. This proved to fit perfectly! Thanks Scott for the measurement.Bryant

You are very welcome.

If I'd have known you had access to a Sunnen, I'd have suggested that over finding a specialty .752 reamer...those sorts of things cannot usually be found just lying around.

good for you and your good luck!

I think you might be shocked at how well your car is going to handle after you're done with everything on the front end. That bushing is oddly often overlooked on overhauls and really is a key component. Solid, no-play action here pays big dividends.

These less popular sizes are easy to tackle with an adjustable reamer set.
Access to a hone would be top notch.

I asked Lang's about that '09-'26 steering shaft felt a couple months ago, and they told me it was used on the '26 TT, but (obviously) not the improved T's.

Nice work, Bryant, I'm gearing up to do the same, minus the precision grinding & hone steps.

Without a machine shop, home garage tool is the trusty adj. hand reamer does good work to ream the soft brass bushing for a good fit.

Thanks James! I think so far it’s my favorite rebuild on the car.
Dan I have read over your rebuild tips multiple times. You have great information! Nice pictures to
We actually stared at this adjustable reamer for a bitthe Sunnen just sounded like more fun! Had a good time hanging out at the machine shop after work to.
Bryant

Though I own a set of adjustable reamers I have never been pleased with the results, so don't use them.

I am almost certain that the old adjustable you show in your picture is actually an expansion reamer, meant to expand just enough to be reground back to original size (and left alone) and expanded again when dull, to be resharpened yet again. They were much more common years ago than now. Other pix people have posted are actually "adjustable reamers"

I mention this because you seem to be a "tool guy" and interested in doing nice work and caring for your tools perhaps beyond what the casual mechanic might do...figured you might appreciate the distinction in function and use.

Just a FYI

http://blog.supertoolinc.com/2015/02/03 ... e%20reamer.

Be cautioned that some vendors sell this bushing in sintered bronze. (powdered material pressed to size/shape)
IMO they wont take the pounding a solid bushing will. I wont take the chance.

Thanks Scott, you learn something new everyday

Finally finished up the column. Bucked some rivets, Peened some pins, greased, final primer coat and finish with some gloss black. Refurbished steering wheel and a fresh nickel gear case cover.next step will be installation to the frame. Thank you everyone for help
Bryant