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TR2/3/3A Steering Box Sealant

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CJD

CJD

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For the 2 covers on the steering box, a gasket goes on the casting, then a steel or brass shim, and finally the cover. so the gasket seals the shim to the casting. But nothing seals the shim to the cover...I know this because the shims came off clean and easily on disassembly. It's no wonder they leak!

Are you guys using sealant on the shims when you reassemble the covers?
 
CJD said:
Are you guys using sealant on the shims when you reassemble the covers?
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Hi John-

Its been a couple years since I did that, but yes, I put sealant on the shims - hylomar in my case.
 
I used Indian head gasket sealer. I would suggest one thing to look real close at the end piece because they are often warped, and that is often why they leak. The P.O.s would tighten them up and in just the little 3 inch deal the corners pull in and the center pooches out and then leaks. If you have a group, which you probably do, take a look.
 
...once again my memory fails me. I may have put a little hylomar on the shims, but I don't think so. I know I have 90wt oil in the box and it's still bone dry, turns like a champ with no wander. I don't think there is enough space between the shims for oil to leak.

I do know you must consider the thickness of the gasket (and any sealants) when you set the end play.
 
Thanks guys! I'll go with the sealant, and I'll definitely check the covers for straightness.

Last car had the split column. I still laugh every time I look at this 6 foot long steering box on the TR2! In a crash the only thing that might keep the steering shaft from shishkabobing the driver is that most cars you could hit are taller than the end of the steering box.
 
And...3 year follow-up. I went with permatex 518 on all the shim surfaces. This sealant is the red jelly-like stuff, that claims it will dissolve if it breaks off in an oil environment. The box is dry as a bone.
 
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