BN1 Steering Box Removal

[Walker sim]

I need to replace my BN1 steering box. Any tips as to the procedure?

 

[gonzo]

On a BJ7 the steering box and column are removed and pull out through the front-end of the car. There's enough clearance to do this. Must remove horn/trafficator and wires, steering wheel and front grill. Unbolt and pull out. Make sure there's sufficient space in front of car to pull the entire unit through.

I used painter's tape and towels to protect the finish on removal and installation. Why are you replacing the box?

 

[Walker sim]

Thanks Gonzo,
Looking at it I thought I would have to take out the radiator but in fact only the grill & bonnet.
In NZ we have to have a 6 monthly mechanical inspection. The inspector did not like the noise from the box.

 

[Bob_Spidell]

You'll probably have to unbolt the radiator and move the bottom aside, but you can leave the hoses on (at least, that's how I did it). You might have to remove the shock as well. Getting the pitman arm off the rocker shaft is a pain; you'll need a stubby puller (search this forum for tips). It might help to rotate the box, at least I remember thinking I should have done that. On a BN1/2 getting the grill out isn't too much of a problem

 

[Walker sim]

Thanks Bob,
It's not a job I'm looking forward to. I've a contact, an engineer with all the tools, who has offered to help.
Wally

 

[pan]

You'll probably have to unbolt the radiator and move the bottom aside, but you can leave the hoses on (at least, that's how I did it). You might have to remove the shock as well. Getting the pitman arm off the rocker shaft is a pain; you'll need a stubby puller (search this forum for tips). It might help to rotate the box, at least I remember thinking I should have done that. On a BN1/2 getting the grill out isn't too much of a problem

G'day Bob and Walker Sim,
I have removed and refitted the steering box and column without disturbing the radiator. The workshop manual shows how it is done.
Cheers,
Alwyn

 

[Bob_Spidell]

Good to know, thanks. Actually, I can't remember why I moved the radiator aside, but i did. Also don't know why I removed the shock, either, possibly to get the pitman arm off

 

[Walker sim]

Thanks pan,
This is getting easier & easier.
I will report back when I attempt....Wally

 

[kodpkd]

You want to do this because the inspector didn't LIKE it? If so, clean it up, put some grease in it, and get a different inspector.

 

[Bob_Spidell]

I remembered why I moved the radiator: There isn't enough space--at least, on my cars--between the radiator and box to extract the three long bolts that secure the box in its bracket (if they're installed with their heads inboard). Nobody else encounter this issue? Maybe mine were installed bass-ackwards.

 

[Walker sim]

You want to do this because the inspector didn't LIKE it? If so, clean it up, put some grease in it, and get a different inspector.

Once the "fault" is on the govt computer any other licensed inspector is notified.
Of course, I tried the 'fillitfullofgrease' method, something catastrophic has occurred, possibly a broken bearing.
Wally

 

[pan]

I remembered why I moved the radiator: There isn't enough space--at least, on my cars--between the radiator and box to extract the three long bolts that secure the box in its bracket (if they're installed with their heads inboard). Nobody else encounter this issue? Maybe mine were installed bass-ackwards.

Bob, My car has RH steering, that might explain the difference.