4) Summary
a) Stainless steel and forged steel are very dissimilar metals.
b) The stainless steel ball was welded only on
the top of the ball, but not sufficient enough to secure the ball to the shaft.
c) Neither part had been hot enough to allow metal
to flow for a proper weld.
d) This is a workmanship problem, not a maintenance problem.
The left side spindle steering arm was also inspected, and both the balls had also been replaced with stainless steel balls using
the same process. The ball was welded to the spindle steering arm shaft only on the top of the ball, and then some of the welded
material was removed to make the area “round”. It is difficult to determine the quality of the weld because the area was reworked
after being welded. The stainless steel balls were not welded on the bottom of the ball, and from the bottom, there is space
between the ball and the shaft. The spindle steering arm may be safe to use, but it is too critical to vehicle safety for me
and it was not reinstalled. The Pitman arm was checked and had not been reworked. I don’t know where these assemblies
were purchased and do not know who performed the fabrication and welding, but I will not risk anyone’s life or property using these
on our Model A.
If your Model A has spindle steering arms
that have been reworked using a similar process, I recommend that you inspect them to ensure the stainless steel ball is securely
attached to the spindle steering arm. Keep in mind that a failure with either spindle steering arm could cause you to lose control
of your Model A. If stainless steel balls are properly installed during rework of the spindle steering arms, they may be completely
safe and reliable. Just be cautious.
Both Spindle Steering
Arms on our Victoria have been replaced with original spindle steering arms. The car has been driven safely is ready for High
Country 2009. I will admit I was anxious when driving the first few miles in traffic at higher speeds.
We are grateful the ball came off the assembly in an area where we could safely stop the car without injury to anyone or any property
damage. If the ball had come off earlier during the tour, the outcome could have been much more serious, perhaps even fatal.
Bob
Beers
beers.b@comcast.net
