MTFCA Forum

When I removed the gear case cover and moved the steering wheel, I saw the pins move from side to side. I removed the steering shaft and with some difficulty removed 2 of the pins. I cleaned the pins, gears, and pin holes with cleaner to get all the grease off them. I measured the following:
Gear hole diameters: .378, .380 and .380 inches.
Pin diameters: .374 inches.
Pin hole diameters . .370 inches.
I can not see how the pins were moving with these measurements. I have been unable to remove one pin with a punch and hammer. The other two came out, with difficulty.
Does anyone know what the holes for the pins, the pins diameter, and the holes in the gears should measure.
Also, what should I order to fix this problem, other than a new Model T?
I thank you for any help I get.

I can'r see the pins fitting with those measurements either. .004" is way to much interference in such a small hole/fit. Perhaps the problem is in the way you are using your measurement equipment..
The alternative may be installing a new steering shaft and 5:1 gearset. An added benefit of this is you will get a new bearing surface where the new shaft rides in the lower steering bracket. With a new bushing to match you will have the best outcome.

Allan from down under.

I have to wonder, why did you remove the pins if they were in so tight and were .374" diameter? Your only problem seems to be with the gear ID's being oversize. I believe I would put the pins back in and get some new gears.

Sometimes today we see shafts/pins that seem to be undersize, (.374"). We have to realize that design practice in the days of the Model T dictated that clearances be allowed for within shaft diameters, and not within bearing diameters. In other words, a .374" diameter shaft, running in a .375" diameter bore might be perfectly normal. Today, we might specify a .375" dia. shaft in a .376" dia. bearing.

There are two different gear ratios of steering gears. The earlier ones were higher geared than the 26-27. The balloon tires on the later cars made them harder to steer so the gear ratio was lowered and the steering wheel diameter was raised. The pins are located differently and the gears are different diameter. So be sure you have the right gears for the steering box.
Norm