Super A: How to reduce slop in steering?

There is way too much slop in the steering of my Super A. I have tightened up the tie-rod ends, and the steering column does not crank in and out when it turns, so I suspect that the problem is slop in the worm and sector gears, rather than end-play in the steering column bearings.

Is there any way to reduce the amount of slop? I can't find anything in the shop and owner's manuals indicating how to do this. Will I have to replace the worm and/or sector with new components? The sector is brass, so I suspect that that is where most of the wear has occurred. If I replace the sector, should I replace the worm, too? (Replacing both mating gears generally seems like a good idea, but it appears that to replace the worm I would have to replace the whole steering column, which won't be cheap...)

Thanks in advance.

--Bruce

First "slop" is kind of subjective.

How many degrees are we talking - of turning the wheel from one point where it moves the tires in one direction - to the other side where it starts to move them in the opposite direction?

If you're talking up to about 15 degrees I think it's fine. There's always going to bve SOME slop. Over that and you can start trying to tighten things up.

That normally doesn't require new gears.

If your wheel bearings are good, your tie rods are tight - the next thing to check is where the sector shaft comes down and the steering arm clamps to it.

Have somebody turn the wheel back and forth a bit while you watch it. I think there are two different styles of how it attaches - but on mine it's a square shaft end that fits into a square clamp end of the steering arm.

That's a weak spot - if they're not solid, that's going to give you probably at least 60% of your slop right there. (still need to do surgery to fix it though)

I've tried shims, but I'm now thinking a better solution is needed. Thinking of building up the shaft and grinding to the proper dimension - maybe over the winter.

Another third of the slop will be fixed with new bushings and bearings (depending on how bad they are).

Then the rest will come from wear on the sector gears - but I really think you'll find it's not worth the money/effort to replace them. Fix those other items and you'll feel like you're driving a sports car. 15 degrees of slop is virtually unoticeable once you start driving.

Side note - on mine the whole axle was loose on the pivot pin the axle had actually cracked at the tube the pin goes through. That was obviously dangerous - but I didn't realize it was there - and it did add to the overall looseness of my steering - check that area well - don't know if it's common or not.

Easy way is jack the front up so both wheels are free. Then start ant each wheel moving it back and forth as you can tighten the tierod ends. Then the arm off the bottom of the steering sector check it for play then you need to get into the sector itself. There are bushings a bearing and the keyway on the gear. but they can be restored and will steer like new. While its jacked up grease the spindles as you do need some grease at the bottom of the spindles and with the wt off them grease should flow toward the bottom.

you will probably find that the upper bearing is worn out. the upper bearing (in the steering box)is the first part to not lube properly. it is a big dirty job to remove and replace.

JR--ours was cracked on the A just as you described.
We just dropped the whole front axle out & welded it up again. Also, the pivot pin was broken by the axle support. I believe it was on the order of an inch in diameter.
The square output shaft on ours was decent, but the arm was rimmed out. We cut a thin section out where the bolt clamps tight. Then we tightened the bolt until there was no slap/ movement. Still working well yet.

Thanks to all for your help.

I've got about 45 degrees of slop (half of a quarter turn), which I find bothersome, especially at road speed, but also just while mowing. I'll jack up the front end and take a close look at all components, as suggested. Then, if major surgery is required, I guess I put that on the agenda for next year...

Thanks again.

--Bruce

I found a broken woodruff key on the upper portion of the shaft inside the steering box. The key is used to hold the sector gear in place. Easy fix, but you will have to take it apart to get at it.

EZ--

How much slop did you have with the broken Woodruf key? My tractor had been hit on the front end, hard enough to break a front spindle and bend the tie rod. So it's conceivable that the Woodruff key also sheared at that time. I wish the previous owners had kept a service record....

--Bruce