1959 Steering Box
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 49
Likes: 2
From: San Bernardino CA
1959 Steering Box
I have a 1959 and there is a lot of play in my steering wheel. I adjusted it a while back and believe it's time for a new one. Does anyone have an idea as to where I could get a new or rebuilt one and also any tips would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks in advance, Gary
Thanks in advance, Gary
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2003
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From: Sitting in his Nowhere land Hanover Pa
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have your original one rebuilt. there are many places that offer to do that. one of the more popular places is http://www.bairs.com/
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2007
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From: Puget Sound
have your original one rebuilt. there are many places that offer to do that. one of the more popular places is http://www.bairs.com/
Bairs only does 63 + up. Parts for 53-62 boxes are hard to find and very few vendors rebuild them.
Jim
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 2,743
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From: Chuckanut WA
It is likely that the box needs to be rebuilt but before you do that I recommend you check and correct if necessary a few other possible sources of steering play.
1) Tie rod ends
2) drag link
3) wheel bearings
4) center arm bearing
An accumulation of tolerance in a combination of some or all of these can cause a lot of free play. After you have checked those and corrected any you find out of tolerance, then adjust your steering gear per the "ST-12" manual. If you still have objectionable play in the steering then its time to rebuild the steering box.
I believe Corvette Central still carries the gears, bearings, and seals to do the job.
1) Tie rod ends
2) drag link
3) wheel bearings
4) center arm bearing
An accumulation of tolerance in a combination of some or all of these can cause a lot of free play. After you have checked those and corrected any you find out of tolerance, then adjust your steering gear per the "ST-12" manual. If you still have objectionable play in the steering then its time to rebuild the steering box.
I believe Corvette Central still carries the gears, bearings, and seals to do the job.
Pro
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From: Ottawa, Ont. Canada
Drifting
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From: CT
Team Owner
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Army
He launched into a long explanation as to how when the parts are worn and the adjustment is tightened up after decades of use it actually accelerates the wear. Not sure if I understood the theory but I am leaving mine alone.
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Racer
Joined: Feb 2011
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From: Troy New York
I have a 1959 and there is a lot of play in my steering wheel. I adjusted it a while back and believe it's time for a new one. Does anyone have an idea as to where I could get a new or rebuilt one and also any tips would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks in advance, Gary
Thanks in advance, Gary
Race Director
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 17,901
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From: Inverness FL
St. Jude Donor '07
That may have been your demise. I asked the old (REALLY, old) mechanic that aligns my car if he could adjust mine and he said, "of course, but my advice is to leave it alone" after spitting out a wad of chewing tobacco.
He launched into a long explanation as to how when the parts are worn and the adjustment is tightened up after decades of use it actually accelerates the wear. Not sure if I understood the theory but I am leaving mine alone.
He launched into a long explanation as to how when the parts are worn and the adjustment is tightened up after decades of use it actually accelerates the wear. Not sure if I understood the theory but I am leaving mine alone.
if it's adjusted properly (as in not over-adjusted...), i can't see any harm being done.
Bill
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From: Mustang OK
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JEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEZE!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!
The 53-62 steering box is far and above the easiest to adjust as well as the easiest to rebuild if necessary. The aftermarket sources (Paragon, Corvette Central, etc) have have rebuild kits available. The ST-12 (WHAT, YOU DON'T HAVE ONE??????????????) has good instructions for doing the adjustment (the ST-12 is also available from the Corvette sources) and I've posted this multiple times.
First, there is no reason for having a sloppy steering box, and second, cut out the whining!
http://www.chevytalk.org/fusionbb/sh...hp?tid/225413/
Tom Parsons
The 53-62 steering box is far and above the easiest to adjust as well as the easiest to rebuild if necessary. The aftermarket sources (Paragon, Corvette Central, etc) have have rebuild kits available. The ST-12 (WHAT, YOU DON'T HAVE ONE??????????????) has good instructions for doing the adjustment (the ST-12 is also available from the Corvette sources) and I've posted this multiple times.
First, there is no reason for having a sloppy steering box, and second, cut out the whining!
http://www.chevytalk.org/fusionbb/sh...hp?tid/225413/
Tom Parsons
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Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 49
Likes: 2
From: San Bernardino CA
This is fantastic.. today I adjusted the steering gear box, this time following the ST-12 manual to the tee. When I got to step 4 on page 9-3, I found the locking nut was about to fall off and the worm bearing adjuster was way backed out. I ended up having to turn it in CW about 2 turns. I used a fish scale in place of the other scale and dialed it in. I was literally moments from buying a rebuild kit (in preperation for my next set of days off) before I read the replies and adjusted it properly. I have lived with this slop for about 5 years now. I guess my big lesson is, when all else fails follow intructions..I did a test drive and it's all good. I wish I would have done this years ago. Thanks again for the replies, always appreciated!
Gary
Gary
Pro
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 554
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From: ny
This is fantastic.. today I adjusted the steering gear box, this time following the ST-12 manual to the tee. When I got to step 4 on page 9-3, I found the locking nut was about to fall off and the worm bearing adjuster was way backed out. I ended up having to turn it in CW about 2 turns. I used a fish scale in place of the other scale and dialed it in. I was literally moments from buying a rebuild kit (in preperation for my next set of days off) before I read the replies and adjusted it properly. I have lived with this slop for about 5 years now. I guess my big lesson is, when all else fails follow intructions..I did a test drive and it's all good. I wish I would have done this years ago. Thanks again for the replies, always appreciated!
Gary
Gary
