Steering rebuild questions

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Sep 3, 2006 | 07:35 PM

nihil

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Racer

Joined: Jan 2006

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From: Bowie MD

Steering rebuild questions

I just hauled my entire steering assembly out. It's caked in an amazing amount of grease, oil, and dirt. It is a power steering system.

I'm planning on taking everything apart and cleaning it up really good. I will rebuild the steering box (there was about 15 degrees of slop in the steering). The power steering system seems to work just fine (aside from me dropping the pump on the floor

).

Is there anything I "must" replace when putting it back together? I am planning on replacing the nuts and tie rod boots. Is there anything I should be on the look-out for to reduce the steering slop? Are there parts that I need to grease, and with what should they be greased with?

Thanks

Sep 3, 2006 | 11:25 PM

ratflinger

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Joined: Sep 2005

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From: South of giving a damn

St. Jude Donor '11, '17

This isn't the answer you are looking for, but since you have it all out you ought to just throw it all away and install a jeep box. $675 for modern steering. corvettesteering + .com

Sep 4, 2006 | 12:30 AM

Z-man

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From: Foxfield CO 1970 Convertible

IMO - I'd replace the hoses as long as you have the system out. Another easy maintenance item is to rebuild the power steering pump - usually a bunch of washers in an inexpensive kit.

Sep 4, 2006 | 12:40 AM

nihil

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Racer

Joined: Jan 2006

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From: Bowie MD

Quote:

Originally Posted by Z-man

IMO - I'd replace the hoses as long as you have the system out. Another easy maintenance item is to rebuild the power steering pump - usually a bunch of washers in an inexpensive kit.

Having looked into to it some more, I think I'll rebuild most of the components, rag joint, and replace the hoses. What I want to avoid doing is replacing the worm gear assembly. How likely is it that this is where slop is originating?

Sep 4, 2006 | 12:47 AM

Z-man

Race Director

Joined: Nov 1999

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From: Foxfield CO 1970 Convertible

Quote:

Originally Posted by nihil

Have you tried to adjust the tightness using the screw on the top of the box itself? If it's never been done before, you can remove a ton of slack that way - just don't overdo it or you'll damage the mechanism.

Sep 4, 2006 | 01:04 AM

nihil

Thread Starter

Racer

Joined: Jan 2006

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From: Bowie MD

Quote:

Originally Posted by Z-man

I'll have to fiddle with that when I get it back in. Thanks

Sep 4, 2006 | 02:56 AM

R Baker

Instructor

Joined: Sep 2004

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To Ratflinger: I have heard about the Jeep boxes are they really good? Where can I find out more? thanks.

Sep 4, 2006 | 10:11 AM

GTR1999

Tech Contributor

Joined: Aug 1999

Posts: 15,175

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From: Connecticut, USA

You can rebuild the box much better then stock. The lash adjustment is just one that you need to address. The others are side play in the bushings (I sell the kits but also make up bushing to fit) The lash gap is important also and the kits have shims to tighten to under .002" Yours is probably about .007-.010" To correctly adjust the box you need to do it on the bench, not the car. Use a dial 0-30 in/lb wrench.

You can rebuild it like the books say or you go one step better and make it right. I was driving a vette yesterday with one of my boxes in it and straight down the road there was no slop.

If the gears are worn then you won't be able to snug it up on center or they will bottom out in the box.

The gears are expensive so check them good.
Check this post it should help you.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=1345411

Gary

Last edited by gtr1999; Sep 4, 2006 at 10:15 AM.