I purchased a brand new steering box from Corvette Central recently and prior to placing it in the car we measured the tension. We placed the box in a vise, and we used a torque wrench that measured inch lbs. It measured 45-50 inch lbs. at center. From what we've been able to find, it should measure only around 4-15 inch lbs according to factory specs. Needless to say, the steering will not return to center with it in the car.

Corvette Central has been pretty good about working with me to resolve the issue, but I get the feeling they don't feel there is an issue. They sent me a second new steering box, and it measured the same 45-50 inch lbs. of torque at the center. They said they sold over 30 of these boxes this year. They told me they test every box by rotating it to make sure there is a center, but when I asked, they said they don't use any tools to measure the actual tension. They told me I'm the only one who has had a problem with the tension and they've offered to refund my money.

1. I'm wondering if anyone else has had any issues buying brand new steering boxes from Saginaw via Corvette Central. Will it the tension reduce with some use/miles?

2. Trying to determine what to do. We've already tried to adjust the new box that is currently in the car. We've backed off on it so much, to what we feel is acceptable, and while better, it is still way too tight. Do I put my old steering box back in? It has a bad seal (I'm guessing it has for awhile seeing that someone added a grease fitting to it), but works perfectly and measured within factory specs on tension.

3. Do I purchase a rebuilt box from Corvette Central or someone else?

My car is a 1969 driver quality small block 350/300. Any thoughts or advice?

 

Did you install and test it in the car?

 

Is there a cast "road S" on the side of the gear housing?

No "road S" means that the gear was probably made overseas. If it is not a Saginaw manufactured gear, I would send it back.

I would take my original gear and send it to Gary Ramadei (GTR 1999). You can find the necessary information on the internet.

Jim

 

Greatsteaks, the part is currently in the car. Jim, I will take a look. Thanks for the replies, I just got back in town from vacation. My mechanic has backed off quite a bit on the tension, he doesn't feel comfortable going much more than maybe another quarter turn. I did just drive the car and it's still tight, but at least starts to make a move towards the center coming out of a turn. Just not quite there yet.

 

It should look something like this. I cannot disclose the source. He is personna non grata here (Jim hinted). But he puts in new gears. Not just seals and shims. Much more expensive but worth it to me.



I just had this one put in my 1974 with a front alignment. Car is just like new. At 70mph I can take my hands off the steering wheel and it tracks true.