STEERING BOX SIDE COVER

[bj7]

I have just received my rebuilt steering box (BJ7) after having it coverted to RHD. The side cover can be used on both RHD and LHD boxes. The only strange thing I have noticed is that the side cover I have now is made of steel and I am sure the one supplied pre-conversion was alloy cast. Was there a change in production at some stage that they changed fron steel to alloy? Is there an advantage of one over the other? The end cover is now stamped 4 56 - does this refer to the year of manufacture ?

 

[Keoke]

The only strange thing I have noticed is that the
"side cover"-???????
I have now is made of steel and I am sure the one supplied pre-conversion was alloy cast.

Was there a change in production at some stage that they changed fron steel to alloy? ----NO

Is there an advantage of one over the other?---Yes probably stiffness which maintains adjustment.

The end cover is now stamped 4 56 - does this refer to the year of manufacture ?- Can;t say

 

[bj7]

The "side cover" is the description used in the original parts book. I agree that it is a misleading description.It is the top cover which houses the adjuster with lock nut.

Regards,
Greg

 

[Keoke]

.It is the top cover which houses the adjuster with lock nut.

I figured that was what you were referring to Greg.

Like I said I think it is only a minor strength issue.

However, the original cast top may have been buggered up so it could not be repaired by machining and that is all they have available for a replacement.---Keoke

 

[Randy Forbes]

The earlier steering box had the flat steel cover (mine, fitted to BN6L-942) and a marginally faster ratio.

The alloy covered box would have marginally easier steering, and I believe the "peg" is easier to replace.

 

[bj7]

The new steel top is exactly the same shape as the original alloy one. I will check with the guy who did the conversion and report back.

 

[Randy Forbes]

The new steel top is exactly the same shape as the original alloy one. I will check with the guy who did the conversion and report back.

Well, these pictures should prove that the covers are not directly interchangeable; at least <span style="text-decoration: underline">I</span> can't see how they could be...

1967 BJ8

1957 BN6

Unfortunately, I don't have the same views as shown above for the MKIII, but the arm for the BN6 allows for a flush fitting cover.

 

[Keoke]

The alloy covered box would have marginally easier steering, and I believe the "peg" is easier to replace.

Yep,replacing the peg in the alloy covered box is a snap. However, on the earlier box the peg's funtion can be restored simply by forcibly rotating the peg 90 Deg.---Keoke

 

[tahoe healey]

Somewhat off the subject, how much play do we want in the peg? I just tightened mine to remove all the slack (one to 2 inches play in the steering wheel). Too tight?
TH

 

[Randy Forbes]

Somewhat off the subject, how much play do we want in the peg? I just tightened mine to remove all the slack (one to 2 inches play in the steering wheel). Too tight?
TH

A trade off between too loose and too tight; I snug it up until I can feel a drag on the steering (higher effort to turn the wheels) then back of a tad.

 

[Keoke]

Somewhat off the subject, how much play do we want in the peg? I just tightened mine to remove all the slack (one to 2 inches play in the steering wheel). Too tight?
TH

HI TH, you should adjust it until you can feel the drag as you go over center.
A good box will show less than 1" of play at the center.

However,most of these boxes are worn and will have more play around center than that.--Fwiw--Keoke

 

[tahoe healey]

Thanks, that is what I had done. Really improved the handling.