BN1 "in-site" steering box overhaul ?

[matt78]

Hello.

I'm in the process of overhauling my BN1 front suspension. I intend to do the same for the steering box, but got stuck when trying to pull out the column and steering box assembly through the front of the car.
I followed the workshop manual's indications, but unfortunately the rear carb's choke system and a support of carb linkage are on the way, thus preventing the column to be raised enough to clear the front body apperture (my car is a LHD BN1 with a non adjustable column and HS6 carbs), and I don't really want to remove them in order to save time and additionnal hassle - carburation tuning was difficult enough to get done right...
I need to - at least - replace the dust excluder (wite foam) and the oil seal, and if possible the following peg, the balls and maybe the bush. I have already removed the steering lever.
Do you think it's possible, and if so do you have any useful advice ?

Thank you in advance for your replies.

Regards,

Matt

 

[red57]

Sorry but I don't think you can really do a good job of rebuilding the steering box without removing it from the car. The rocker shaft bushing may need to be replaced and that can't be done without removing the box. Beyond that, getting the bearings shimmed with the proper preload will be tough without removing from the car. In my opinion you will be much happier if you remove the box and do it properly. Besides, the carburetor tuning should be easier since you have done it before... and the more you do it, the better you get at it.:smile-new:
Dave

 

[steveg]

Sorry but I don't think you can really do a good job of rebuilding the steering box without removing it from the car. The rocker shaft bushing may need to be replaced and that can't be done without removing the box. Beyond that, getting the bearings shimmed with the proper preload will be tough without removing from the car. In my opinion you will be much happier if you remove the box and do it properly. Besides, the carburetor tuning should be easier since you have done it before... and the more you do it, the better you get at it.:smile-new:
Dave

Can't you remove the carbs without disturbing their tuning? Done it plenty of times on the 6's. Agree it's likely a new bushing may be needed. There are threads here about bushing r&r issues.

 

[matt78]

Job done.
I fully agree with your replies - truth is that I would have answered the same if asked by somebody else... but having previously had a hard time moving the column and removing the steering lever, I wasn't ready to accept removing the carbs, too :blue:
Nonetheless, I did it the way described by steveg. Next step : find a reamer for the bushing.

Thank you for your support.

 

[steveg]

I installed a new bushing and used a new brake hone to hone it to fit the shaft. This was >10 years ago and IIRC it took about 1/2 hour of honing to get the shaft in. Fortunately the shaft didn't have any clearance wear to speak of. You may find that the shaft is slightly larger in diameter in the seal area than the area of the bushing, and therefore will be too loose unless something is done to correct it.