Classic/Antique Car Repair: Drag link/Pittman arm connection, hemmings motor news, cotter pin
Question
drag1
Dear Vern,
I have 2 1962 Rambler Americans, identical cars with sequential vin numbers. These are not 'show cars' but are everyday drivers. One is my wife's, the other is mine.
The ball type connector between the pittman arm and the drag link on mine is loose and creates a lot of play in the steering. I need to know if the 'ball' is replaceable or if I can weld the 'saddle' in place to reduce play in this connection. I have been unable to find a source for a new or NOS. Also, there is an electrical wire going into the bottom of the steering gear box. What is this for. I can find no reference to it on the schematics and am at a total loss. I have 2 other pics which may explain things further. If needed, I would be happy to send these also.
AnswerOk, this is not Verne, but Brad. I found your question in the "question pool". First, the wire. that is the horn wire and runs to the horn relay from the horn button to make the ground needed for the relay to toot the horn. The ball fitting question. Does you car have power steering or did it at one time have power steering? Using the picture that you provided as a reference, is there a plug with a cotter pin running through the tube at the right end of the tube? If there is this is an adjustment for the ball stud. Remove the cotter pin and with a BIG screw diver turn the plug in until the free play is just about gone. Now turn the steering wheel back and forth to make sure there is no binding. This is best done with he wheels off the ground. If there is binding it could be an indication that the ball has worn egg shaped meaning new pitman arm is in order or you might get by with backing off the adjustment a bit. My stock answer for “where can I find….” Is to latch on to a copy of Hemmings Motor News, the old car hobbies classified bible. There are many companies that supply parts for old cars and you will find them in Hemmings. www.hemmings.com
Brad
