After two years of wrenching I finally got my 71 Coupe on the road, and after driving it for the very first time, I think the steering box may need to be rebuilt. When I had the box out of the car I did gently clean out the old petrified grease so that is not an issue. Every other component on the front end has been replaced (ball joints, tie rod ends, bushings...) and I had a four wheel alignment done as well. I noticed I could move the steering wheel quite a bit and the rag joint moved right along with it, but none of that would influence the pitman arm. Once I moved it enough, and the box would actually give that info to the tie rod ends, the car would seem to dart in that direction. It made for an interesting drive. I was not really steering it, it felt more like I was aiming it. Next I loosened the 5/8" lock nut and took up the slack with the adjustment screw. This removed a lot of the slop, but now it seems like the box is too tight. If I loosen that screw at all, the loose feel comes right back. The car has 147,000 miles on it so I'm pretty sure the box is simply worn out. I have a 67 Camaro so I do know how these older cars have a unique feel to them, but this one is just not right.
Doe this sound familiar to anybody?
Suggestions as to who I should contact for a rebuild?
If you did have yours rebuilt, are you pleased with the results? How long did it take and how much did it cost?
I'm not interested in converting it to another system so please don't suggest changing the box and ditching the valve/piston assembly. Mine are in great shape and I just want a stock cruiser.
Thanks in advance,
Mark

 

You may want to search the forum for Gary R's steering box rebuilds (he goes by GTR1999). Gary did an excellent job on the box in my '72 and OCB had a good write up of his experience at

OCB's Steering Box Rebuild

 

The C3 steering box is one of the last things owners get around to unfortunately. There's the 'steering box guru' here, Gary (above) who can rebuild yours. That's the quickest and easiest way to get good steering.

Do a forum search and you'll find C3 owners are elated how precise and responsive their stock steering system is after a quality rebuild (and other worn steering parts are replaced). Just tightening the top adjuster nut on an old box can help 'some' but other issues are often present, like a worn top bearing or slightly worn bronze lower sleeve at the output shaft, etc that contribute to 'looseness'. Best of luck!

 

At 147k miles, I would guess the box probably needs to be rebuilt.
I bought a rebuild kit and rebuilt it myself. It worked out real well.
Not hard if you're mechanically inclined.
1 odd thing I did find, was that my header pipe was very close to my steering box, and the box would build up pressure from the heat and leak out of the bottom seal. I drilled a 1/16" vent hole through 1 of the top bolts on the box to relieve the heat build up pressure, and the leak stopped. Also a bit of messaging with big pry bar on the header pipe helped by increasing the clearance.

 

Gary did mine last year. night and day difference.
Pat

 

This was my experience, too. @GTR1999 rebuilt a spare steering box, and at the same time I converted to manual steering. With an aggressive alignment with lots of caster, and it is great in the mountains hills of Virginia.

 

Yup, I'll add to this. If you feel your box is loose, randomly turning the adjustment screw really is not a good solution. In fact a very poor idea that can cause even more damage to what is left of your box.
A good solution is to get a hold of Gary and have him rebuild your box.

 

Thanks for the advice and I will definitely get in touch with Gary (GTR1999).
I only have one question...How the heck do I do that? Seriously, I've read some of his postings, but I'm no good with electronic forums. It's a wonder I managed to join this one! Anybody have some contact info I could use?
Mark

 

Email him at:
gary.ramadei@radiall.com

 

See how great this forum is! I had no idea of Gary's email. But just that quick. Someone had it out there!
Bloody awesome!

 

Thanks!

 

Mr K I read your questions and sent you a message.

NOTE the email listed is an old outdated one today. gtrvette1999@gmail.com is my correct email address.

 

Inside the gearbox are two bronze bushings, and two ball bearings holding the two shafts.
And hard dried-out 50 year old grease. Which probably does not lube anymore.
Guaranteed you have some worn parts if you have slop.
Hopefully it is just in the bearings & the bushings.
Gary will know.
Others...eh...maybe...

 

I sent Gary a message today and within a few minutes we were talking on the phone. Now that's some great customer service! I already have the box out and it's getting shipped to him tomorrow. Some things are best left to the pros.
Thanks for all of the advice,
Mark

 

You will not be disappointed!