Steering box

[DocArbathnot]

My Sunbeam failed it's MOT on a leaking steering box (It's been leaking since I've had the car for the last 4 yrs I just top it up now and again). I've pulled the box off
(pain of a job took 3 1/2 hrs)

Now I could fix it with a simple oil seal for pennies, but a recon box is £230 and I'm tempted with this option. I've never been totally happy with the steering a load of play and quite heavy. Now it's off it dosn't feel too smooth quite "gritty"

What do you think? Oil seal or bite the bullet and pop a new box on?

[The Wookie]

Why not strip it and give it a rebuild? Must be a rebuild kit available somewhere and If you're only going to replace it if it all goes wrong then it makes no difference

[DocArbathnot]

The Wookie said:

Why not strip it and give it a rebuild? Must be a rebuild kit available somewhere and If you're only going to replace it if it all goes wrong then it makes no difference

I can't find a rebuild kit. Oil seal is an o'ring so easy. I could get a new bronze bush machined if required for the output shaft but as for the worm gear etc............

[The Wookie]

It's probably just full of crud that's built up, I'd be amazed if the worm gear itself is knackered. When you say heavy, does it have much friction feel? I.e. does the steering feel sticky when you rock it left and right with it loaded up (i.e. beyond any free play)?

You could just take it apart, check for any signs of abnormal wear, clean it all up, put it back together and adjust it (I assume it can be adjusted) to take up the free play. If you find at any point there's any free play in bushes/bearings then it'd probably be time to sling it unless you could easily source some more.

[DocArbathnot]

Recon unit ordered for £236. Seems the best/easiest way.

[williredale]

If you've got a recon one you can then rebuild the old one without the worry of it not working after you've stripped it.

[DocArbathnot]

williredale said:

If you've got a recon one you can then rebuild the old one without the worry of it not working after you've stripped it.

They need an exchange

[williredale]

DocArbathnot said:

williredale said:

If you've got a recon one you can then rebuild the old one without the worry of it not working after you've stripped it.

They need an exchange

Ah, I wondered that and almost wrote it. Oh well, as you were!

[DocArbathnot]

Popped the recon item on. Pleased I did sharpened up the steering on end.

[williredale]

Good stuff!

[Peterson]

I can't discover a restore kit. Oil closure is an o'ring so simple. I could get a new brown shrub produced if needed for the outcome base but as for the equipment . . . .