Steering gear
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 336
Likes: 1
From: Asheville N.C.
Steering gear
Gear box is leaking at the pitman shaft seal and wormshaft seal. 
Can these 2 seals be replaced only or do I need a total rebuild or replacement? Stock 79, 350, automatic 76,000 miles 
ED
Can these 2 seals be replaced only or do I need a total rebuild or replacement? Stock 79, 350, automatic 76,000 miles ED
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 336
Likes: 1
From: Asheville N.C.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 336
Likes: 1
From: Asheville N.C.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 3,079
Likes: 315
2024 C3 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
Corvette Steering Service in Anderson, SC
www.corvettesteering.com
I paid around $285 to rebuild my original, with a new rag joint
Freight both ways not included
You asked for best, not cheapest
www.corvettesteering.com
I paid around $285 to rebuild my original, with a new rag joint
Freight both ways not included
You asked for best, not cheapest
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 1,086
Likes: 1
From: Michigan
A rebuild is probably not necessary. Before you spend the money, see if you can get proper adjustment following Jim Shea's papers.
The seals and bearings are very cheap and are available. If you take the gear out you can clean it up, do a visual inspection of the worm, check and set clearances and install new seals. There has been a lot of discussion about what grease to put in. It seems it's important not to use regular suspension grease as you need a special grease. Here is a pic of the part number for the correct grease recommended by some knowledgeable people from NCRS and others. I have it in my box.
Gary the steering gear guy got kicked off the forum for some reason but here is his email. He is very knowledgeable about these steering gears and can rebuild yours for you. He said it's o.k. to give out his email so feel free to contact him. He can also be found on the NCRS site.
Gary.RAMADEI@radiall.com
The seals and bearings are very cheap and are available. If you take the gear out you can clean it up, do a visual inspection of the worm, check and set clearances and install new seals. There has been a lot of discussion about what grease to put in. It seems it's important not to use regular suspension grease as you need a special grease. Here is a pic of the part number for the correct grease recommended by some knowledgeable people from NCRS and others. I have it in my box.
Gary the steering gear guy got kicked off the forum for some reason but here is his email. He is very knowledgeable about these steering gears and can rebuild yours for you. He said it's o.k. to give out his email so feel free to contact him. He can also be found on the NCRS site.
Gary.RAMADEI@radiall.com
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Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 336
Likes: 1
From: Asheville N.C.
thanks 
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 2,473
Likes: 10
From: New Paltz, New York USA
ED79,
I sent my steering gear box to Yougi Bairs Corvettes. They rebuilt the whole thing and sent it back to me in a very short period of time. They did an excellent job on the box and even painted the whole thing. When they recieved the box they called me to let me know they got it and let me know when they shipped it back. I do not remember the price but it was good.
I sent my steering gear box to Yougi Bairs Corvettes. They rebuilt the whole thing and sent it back to me in a very short period of time. They did an excellent job on the box and even painted the whole thing. When they recieved the box they called me to let me know they got it and let me know when they shipped it back. I do not remember the price but it was good.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 3,030
Likes: 17
From: White Pine / Dandridge TN
Dude
This is the guy that did mine, Fantastic job.
http://www.digitalcorvettes.com/foru...ad.php?t=76773
This is the guy that did mine, Fantastic job.
http://www.digitalcorvettes.com/foru...ad.php?t=76773
ED79,
We have 3 things in common. We both have C3 vettes, live in Asheville and have leaking grease around the steering box seals. I've replaced the seals at least once but plan to have the steering box inspected for worn internal parts when I pull it to fix the leak. I'm sure there are multiple vendors who can rebuild your box, but I agree with the post quoted here. Gary,GTR1999, has a great reputation on several boards for his work. I've spoken to him on several occassions as an informational resource. When I pull my steering box I plan to send it to him. That way I know it's been done right.
Jim
