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Steering box building

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bdavis

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Klamath Falls, Or
has anyone tackled the challenge of rebuilding the steering box? Or would i be better off getting one already rebuilt.
 
I know some on here have. Apparently it wasn't as bad as it sounds. If the pieces aren't near what a new one costs, I'd say get a good "how to" (manual?) and go for it!

Are you sure it needs to be rebuilt?

There are some good posts about testing, checking, adjusting, etc...

My box is from a GMC, so it HAS to be good!






just sayin'
 
I can't say if it is bad or not. when I drove the truck before tearing it down it wandered pretty bad. Come to find out the tie rod end was bent. I figure while it is tore apart I might as well rebuild everything that I can.
 
Steering Box

I am planning on trying to rebuild my box sometime this year. Mine leaks pretty bad, and I also have a lot of wondering. From what I've heard, it doesn't sound like it is that challenging to rebuild. I know the rebuilt ones usually go for $200 plus. Also you are losing your original part if you exchange it. I try not to exchange for that reason.

Let us know how it goes if you rebuild it.
 
How far was the adjuster screw sticking above the lock nut? If even then the box has considerable wear. Sometimes there will be adjustment remaining but it will have a grinding or grating feel which means bearings bad or hard facing on the worm gear or block are bad. Usually from moisture getting into the box and no cure but to replace the affected parts.
 
If you decide to rebuild make sure that, when you reattach the steering column to the steering box that the hole that the horn wire comes through is on top of the steering column. Don't ask me how I know to do this...now.
Gater
 
The only thing difficult about rebuilding the steering box is removing and replacing the brass bushings. In my box they were the only really worn parts. The one in the adjuster cover is blind on one side and is a bugger. Apparently it used to be available as a unit but now you have to figure out how to remove the old bushing. I used a hacksaw blade to cut thru the blind side and rigged an all thread and socket device to remove and install the bushing on the output shaft side. I did not dis-assemble the recirculating balls and in most cases there would be no need for that.

Chuck
 
what kind of oil was in the steering box? I finally tore mine apart but it was pretty messy with what looked like bearing grease.
 
Gear oil !

Never , EVER use grease in any steering box ! .

Some DPO or DPM prolly used grease and that's what killed your pol box .

There used to be ? Penrite ? steering box lube in tubes , good stuff when you can find it .

Be very careful when setting up the bearing pre load ~ I use a fishing scale and for me , only a couple inch pounds of drag on the worm shaft is plenty .
 
Interesting that this post came up. I'm about to rebuild mine as well (or purchase a rebuilt one). My 51 was a farm truck, it had overload springs and the whole works. The steering was loose, and I mean it had a LOT of play. I was told that not even a rebuild or adjustment would get this "play" out. That what needed to be replaced was the worm gear itself. Is this true? Or would a rebuild and adjustment be just fine? Thanks in advance!
 
Worm Gear

You won't know until you take it apart sad to say .

I occasionally still find BIG 'BOLTS with good steering gear in them ,as then you just need to replace the sector shaft seal , lube & adjust it and you're good to go again , that might be the way to go ~ BIG 'BOLT parts are not easy to sell & so might come cheaper .
 
vwnate1 said:
You won't know until you take it apart sad to say .

I occasionally still find BIG 'BOLTS with good steering gear in them ,as then you just need to replace the sector shaft seal , lube & adjust it and you're good to go again , that might be the way to go ~ BIG 'BOLT parts are not easy to sell & so might come cheaper .
Click to expand...

Thanks for the advice Nate. I'll take a look at that option, I appreciate the advice.
 
FYI. After a little searching, I found Lee's Power Steering in Sun Valley. He rebuilds all types of steering boxes. Told him my situation and he told me they take apart the boxes and magnaflux all parts, and if the worm gear is worn they will weld and grind the gears to their original specs. Going to send my box in next week, I'll update on how it goes.
 
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