Last month, we began our old car steering system article by covering the Saginaw 500, 420, 450 and 320   This month, we will conclude with the Saginaw 250, Gemmer and Ross systems.

        THE SAGINAW 250 is a worm and sector type with an eccentric  sleeve adjustment of the worm and sector backlash.  

        Its operation:  There are three teeth on the pitman shaft sector that engage the worm groove.  When the steering shaft is rotated, it causes a rotary motion to the pitman shaft.  The eccentric sleeve mounted thrust bearings can be rotated within the gear housing to move to or from the sector teeth, allowing the proper backlash adjustment between the worm groove and sector teeth.

        GEMMER:  The Models 120 and 140 are worm and sector gears which have an eccentric housing adjustment which centralizes the sector teeth with the worm groove, removing the backlash from the sector teeth and worm groove.

        Its operation:  There are three teeth on the pitman shaft sector that engage the worm groove.  When the steering shaft and worm are rotated, it causes motion to the pitman shaft.  The gear housing is made up of two parts.  The pitman shaft is mounted on one part and the worm and steering shaft on the other.  An eccentric sleeve and eccentric rivet are incorporated in the housings to centralize the teeth control and sector-to-worm backlash adjustment.  To adjust the worm thrust bearings, you remove shims from the housing and caps.

        On the Models 305, 335 and 375 all are worm and roller types.  The three teeth on the pitman arm shaft roller engage the worm groove.  When the steering shaft and worm are turned, the roller moves up or down on the worm, causing a rotary motion to the pitman shaft, moving the pitman arm.

        On the Models 250, 300 and 330 all are worm and roller.  They have two teeth on the pitman shaft roller that engage the worm groove.  When the steering shaft and worm are turned, the roller moves up and down on the worm, causing a rotary motion to the pitman shaft that moves the pitman arm and drag link.

        ROSS units are cam-and-lever.  

        Operation:  When the cam is turned left or right, the lever shaft stud or studs are moved through the groove of the cam, rotating the lever shaft, sending movement to the pitman arm.

        Understanding the basics of our steering systems will help us to identify problems.  Following our motors manuals instructions on adjusting and maintaining our system will help keep them operating smoothly and trouble-free.

        See you next month.  Keep 'em driving