TR2/3/3A TR3A steering column- one piece column removal?

[SeanTR3]

Hi, I am getting ready to replace the oil seal in the steering box and the books say to remove the box from the car. It looks like I have a one piece steering column. It is solid from the box to the wheel. Can someone confirm that I do need to pull the steering wheel and the entire steering column to get the box out far enough to pull the pitman arm and replace the seals?

By the way, I have rebuilt both front brake calipers and installed the new silentbloc bushings. Thanks for all the good advice about replacing those parts. The steering box is the last item to fix before heading back to the garage for an inspection.

 

[Banjo]

I almot remember doing a sector shaft seal with the box still in the car. But it's been a while, I could be wrong.
If so, then removing the column is not that hard. You have to take the nose off the car (the worst part) then take the box and column out the front.Now that I think about it, I think the pitman arm is trapped above the frame, and you have to remove the box.
Oh well /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif

 

[SeanTR3]

Re: TR3A steering column- one piece column removal

I've removed the grill and the front bumper and I'm working on the bolts/brackets near the steering wheel to give it some room to move. One retaining screw on the steering wheel does not want to come out so I'm trying to work around that. I will unbolt the steering box next and see if I can get enough room to replace the parts without totally removing it from the car. I just need enough room to get a puller on the pitman arm.

 

[MGTF1250Dave]

Aloha Sean,

I would consider removing the steering column as the book describes. Working on the steering box on a bench requires less contortions on your part and gives you and opportunity to inspect and replace other steering box components if needed. In addition to replacing the oil seal, I think you should consider replacing the bushing and the peg on steering rocker arm. These parts wear over time and refreshing them generally makes for an improvement in steering ease and response. I had a TR3 with the steering box so worn that if you let go of the steering wheel in a turn, the car would continue to turn in a circle and parking was a mojor work out to turn the wheels at a stand still. Good luck on your repair.

Safety Fast,
Dave

 

[SeanTR3]

Re: TR3A steering column- one piece column removal

Dave, I don't think the steering is very worn as the car only has 1200 miles on it since a restoration in the early 80s. I'll check it out more once I get it out of the car to see how tight it is.

I made a trip to Sears late this afternoon for a screw extractor set. I have the steering box loose, all the straps loose, and one little set screw behind the steering wheel is holding me up. It doesn't want to budge, even after soaking in PB blaster. Once that is out I'll pull the steering wheel and start working on the steering box.