Steering Column/box Removal & Rebuild

[Brian N.]

I'm looking through the manual on removing and rebuilding the steering box.

Sounds not too hard. What are the hidden difficulties? I want to tighten up the steering, and it seems this is the loosest point on the set up. Can these boxes be rebuilt, or do they need to be replaced?

I need to hear your war stories.

Thanks in advance.

 

[Dave Russell]

Hi Brian,
Yes - you can get the box out to work on it. As the manual shows, it is quite a bit of work.

Since you have the manual, check the box adjustments first. This will usually tighten it up. Replacement of parts or bushings is rarely needed. Check rod ends first just in case they are worn.

Check steering shaft fore & aft end float per the manual. It can be adjusted with shims under the cover on the front of the box.

Check the short vertical shaft for end float (up & down) & adjust with the adjuster screw per the manual.

A quote from my shop manual;
"Loose steering is invariably attributed to end play of the inner column, which can be rectified by the removal of shims located behind the steering box end cover plate, in a manner already described.

To check for this end float, disconnect the side & cross tubes from the steering lever & turn the steering wheel partly to the left or right lock. Then with the steering wheel held to prevent it from turning, endeavor to turn the steering lever. Should the steering wheel have a tendency to lift, it may be assumed that there is end float of the gear" ----

Good luck,
D

PS - If you take the box apart the biggest problem may be in getting the steering arm off of the box.

[ 01-11-2004: Message edited by: Dave Russell ]</p>

 

[tahoe healey]

This is the problem I Emailed you about that led to a ton of problems(chipped paint, burned paint,and scratched chrome grill, etc.) at the repair place I mention in the Email. You would be best served to remove the grill and surround yourself it you go there. They did a great job on the the steering box, though. In hind sight I'd do it myself and save the $1200.00 (Original quote $950.00) and while you are at it you could change all the bushing and stuff to stiffen up the front end. Its not real complicated as Dave mentioned, just time consuming. Best of luck.

 

[Brian N.]

The risk of the sort of damage you reported is what seemed likely to me upon reading the procedure. I can easily understand how it could happen. Maybe I will put this projet off, or at least attack from the other end, such as ball joints etc. first and see how well it comes out.

Thanks for the input.

 

[Dave Russell]

The adjustments are really not that hard to do. You don't even need to remove the grill or steering wheel.
D