Does anyone rebuild steering gearboxes anymore?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 6,539
Likes: 1,970
From: Temple Terrace Florida
Vette magazine
The latest issue of Vette magazine has an article on how to rebuild the steering boxes of the C-2 and C-3 vettes. It is step by step and they even give info on where to purchase parts. If you don't want to do it yourself, all of the vendors mentioned will do a great job for you. I used Van Steel and the box works as new years later. I really like to pay close attention to brakes and steering. Jerry
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,812
Likes: 2,029
From: eastern NC
The cost to rebuild your box is actually listed as $189.99 https://www.vansteel.com/index.cfm?f...p=1820&ID=3701
Without a doubt Gary does a terrific job. Clearly it is your call.
GUSTO
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 8,837
Likes: 1,028
You HAVE to have an 0-30 inch pound dial type torque wrench to set these up correctly, or you risk tearing up the gear set. If you do, they are done.
The torque wrench set me back $150.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,118
From: Crossville TN
There is considerable difference in buying a "rebuilt" steering box from the local auto parts store and having one rebuilt by an expert in the business. The 'store' rebuilt unit is a reassembly of random parts removed from other boxes and cleaned; the "rebuilder" is likely a low-dollar/hour worker in a foreign country. In the words of a very wise man:
"You get what you pay for..."
If your box is not worn out, open it up and remove as much grease as you can; refill with good quality synthetic grease (leave air space for grease expansion due to heating); clean the outside and paint if you like. Adjust the lash screw [properly] if you need.
Otherwise, have a pro rebuild your old one or buy a new one. The Borgeson box is nice (and expensive), but it is likely no better than an original box that is properly set up.
"You get what you pay for..."
If your box is not worn out, open it up and remove as much grease as you can; refill with good quality synthetic grease (leave air space for grease expansion due to heating); clean the outside and paint if you like. Adjust the lash screw [properly] if you need.
Otherwise, have a pro rebuild your old one or buy a new one. The Borgeson box is nice (and expensive), but it is likely no better than an original box that is properly set up.
Last edited by 7T1vette; Aug 3, 2017 at 12:47 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 7,451
Likes: 974
From: RI, Now Franklin/Nashville TN
There is considerable difference in buying a "rebuilt" steering box from the local auto parts store and having one rebuilt by an expert in the business. The 'store' rebuilt unit is a reassembly of random parts removed from other boxes and cleaned; the "rebuilder" is likely a low-dollar/hour worker in a foreign country. In the words of a very wise man:
"You get what you pay for..."
If your box is not worn out, open it up and remove as much grease as you can; refill with good quality synthetic grease (leave air space for grease expansion due to heating); clean the outside and paint if you like. Adjust the lash screw [properly] if you need.
Otherwise, have a pro rebuild your old one or buy a new one. The Borgeson box is nice (and expensive), but it is likely no better than an original box that is properly set up.
"You get what you pay for..."
If your box is not worn out, open it up and remove as much grease as you can; refill with good quality synthetic grease (leave air space for grease expansion due to heating); clean the outside and paint if you like. Adjust the lash screw [properly] if you need.
Otherwise, have a pro rebuild your old one or buy a new one. The Borgeson box is nice (and expensive), but it is likely no better than an original box that is properly set up.
A properly set up OEM recirculating ball GM steering box 16:1 ratio can be very good especially with Gary R's modification with the custom olite bushing on the steering shaft. Because of this change to the OEM box by Gary, I HIGHLY recommend Gary for this service plus his impeccable work!
The advantage of the Borgeson box is the 12.7:1 steering ratio which is obviously much faster and the Borgeson box eliminates potential slop from the power steering ram and PS balance valve from GM with the OEM steering system.
Last edited by jb78L-82; Aug 3, 2017 at 01:02 PM.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 1,697
Likes: 139
From: Syracuse NY
Scott, I believe you may have misread the page I directed you to. A new steering box is $404.99
The cost to rebuild your box is actually listed as $189.99 https://www.vansteel.com/index.cfm?f...p=1820&ID=3701
Without a doubt Gary does a terrific job. Clearly it is your call.
GUSTO
The cost to rebuild your box is actually listed as $189.99 https://www.vansteel.com/index.cfm?f...p=1820&ID=3701
Without a doubt Gary does a terrific job. Clearly it is your call.
GUSTO
All things considered, I cant think of anything else that would be causing this problem. Everything except the gearbox is new (even the rag joint). Guess Ill spend 200 bucks on a rebuild.....hope it works because Im out of other options.
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Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 1,697
Likes: 139
From: Syracuse NY
I went to the car tonight and loosened the nut and played with the screw. It was tight to run up or down, so I fiddled with it back and forth a few times. (Maybe old crusted grease?) I just kept running it out until I felt the slop go away in the wheel and then backed it off a hair. I want to say it took about 3/4 of a turn which is kind of excessive. My concern is over tightening it. I think Ill try and drive it with this adjustment. If I feel any kind of improvement, I may just try and pop the top off, re-grease and adjust again. If theres no improvement.... its off to be rebuilt. Im not against spending money on a rebuild, I just want to track down the problem first.
Last edited by Scottd; Aug 3, 2017 at 11:27 PM.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,118
From: Crossville TN
If you over-tightened it, the steering wheel will not return to center on its own. What you want is to remove any 'slop' while not preventing it from freely returning to center after the vehicle makes a turn.
If the internal gear is worn in the center (but not in either direction), you can adjust to 'minimize' the slop....but you won't be able to eliminate it. That's when a rebuild is necessary.
If the internal gear is worn in the center (but not in either direction), you can adjust to 'minimize' the slop....but you won't be able to eliminate it. That's when a rebuild is necessary.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 1,697
Likes: 139
From: Syracuse NY
If you over-tightened it, the steering wheel will not return to center on its own. What you want is to remove any 'slop' while not preventing it from freely returning to center after the vehicle makes a turn.
If the internal gear is worn in the center (but not in either direction), you can adjust to 'minimize' the slop....but you won't be able to eliminate it. That's when a rebuild is necessary.
If the internal gear is worn in the center (but not in either direction), you can adjust to 'minimize' the slop....but you won't be able to eliminate it. That's when a rebuild is necessary.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 1,152
Likes: 252
Your steering wheel will also fail to return to center is you are running little caster. More caster = more centering.
Last edited by Dynra Rockets; Aug 4, 2017 at 03:18 PM.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,118
From: Crossville TN
If the steering box has not been maintained properly (no lube change over 40 years of use), then it may be worn in only the center of its range of travel. Thus, steering will work fine in either direction, but there will be slack in the system when the wheel is centered.
Once the steering wheel returns as it should, you will have to be the judge of whether [or not] there is too much slop when centered. If you deem it to be excessive, I suggest that you have it rebuilt by Gary or other reputable rebuilder.
Once the steering wheel returns as it should, you will have to be the judge of whether [or not] there is too much slop when centered. If you deem it to be excessive, I suggest that you have it rebuilt by Gary or other reputable rebuilder.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 1,697
Likes: 139
From: Syracuse NY
I HATE letting other people work on my car.Just to make sure, you are saying I need MORE (positive) caster? Is that a shimming operation I can do at home without fear of really screwing up the alignment?
Last edited by Scottd; Aug 4, 2017 at 06:33 PM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 1,152
Likes: 252
Thank you. That helps immensely. Now I just need to find time to get it aligned again. I HATE letting other people work on my car.
Just to make sure, you are saying I need MORE (positive) caster? Is that a shimming operation I can do at home without fear of really screwing up the alignment?
I HATE letting other people work on my car.Just to make sure, you are saying I need MORE (positive) caster? Is that a shimming operation I can do at home without fear of really screwing up the alignment?
It will affect toe so an alignment is recommended. PLus you really want it equal side to side otherwise it will want to turn in one direction easier than the other
Last edited by Dynra Rockets; Aug 5, 2017 at 10:24 AM.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 1,697
Likes: 139
From: Syracuse NY
Its tough to finds shops around here that will work on older cars, nonetheless a Corvette. Guess Ill be looking for a alignment again.
Racer
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 291
Likes: 15
From: Virginia Beach VA
It's already been said, but Gary R just did mine a few months ago... couldn't be happier. I've not experienced his level of service for the price on anything Corvette related. Highly recommended.
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2006
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From: Athens GA
St. Jude Donor '12-'13, '15- '16-'17-'18-'19, '21
Did he build something for you and not make good on it or is this just personal?
The OP was looking for advice on builders and customers with real experience.
How does this comment help him?
Gary just finished my Original Super 10 and it was a precision job with copious communication.
I have never heard anyone bad mouth him.
Now another builder on CF has a youtube video complaining about his work. Just to be clear....the video is NOT about Gary but is about another vendor here on CF. Sorry for the confusion.
So please elaborate so OP can make an informed choice.
Txs
The OP was looking for advice on builders and customers with real experience.
How does this comment help him?
Gary just finished my Original Super 10 and it was a precision job with copious communication.
I have never heard anyone bad mouth him.
Now another builder on CF has a youtube video complaining about his work. Just to be clear....the video is NOT about Gary but is about another vendor here on CF. Sorry for the confusion.
So please elaborate so OP can make an informed choice.
Txs
Last edited by bmans vette; Aug 6, 2017 at 03:27 PM.