Steer & Gear keeps a large...
Steer & Gear keeps a large selection of steering boxes on hand ready to rebuild if you need to buy one immediately (A), or you can send them your old, grease-covered one and they'll rebuild it for you (B).
When restoring our vehicles, paying meticulous attention to the engine, the paint, and the interior is a given. Regrettably, other important components such as the steering box may be taken for granted: "Hey, it worked fine when we pushed it into the garage." However, even from the factory, the steering box in your car is anything but precision, and even if your older Mopar car has "only 30,000 miles on it," it's still 25 or 30 years old. Moreover, if condensation has formed inside the box, it could be rusted inside. This is a critical component in your car's front geometry and handling; it may be time to give it a second look.
Rebuilding a steering box is more involved than simply cleaning it up and replacing the seals. Recently, we visited Steer & Gear in Columbus, Ohio, toured the facility, and followed along as the crew rebuilt a steering box. After Steer & Gear receives your old steering box, it undergoes a process that includes a complete cleaning and assessment, reassembly with new and restored parts as needed, and a testing process before being returned for reinstallation in your car. Best of all, the process will normally have the steering box back on your doorstep in a week or so.
Steer & Gear keeps a large...
Steer & Gear keeps a large selection of steering boxes on hand ready to rebuild if you need to buy one immediately (A), or you can send them your old, grease-covered one and they'll rebuild it for you (B).
The first step is to disassemble...
The first step is to disassemble the box and clean it. Steer & Gear does this in a huge automatic parts cleaner.
After the parts are removed...
After the parts are removed from the parts cleaner, they're inspected for wear and damage.
The upgrades begin here. Later...
The upgrades begin here. Later factory boxes ran the sector shaft metal-to-metal in the box casting. Steer & Gear remachines these surfaces, then installs bearings to eliminate wear.
As seen here, all new seals...
As seen here, all new seals and bearings are used as the steering box is reassembled better than new.
Every worm gear wears differently,...
Every worm gear wears differently, so Steer & Gear carefully chooses from a large assortment of different-sized ball bearings to custom-fit each box, which will eliminate play in this area. Each worm gear uses 26 balls. Here is our worm assembly put together.
Next, the preload adjusters...
Next, the preload adjusters are put on the worm shaft. These set the preload on the balls in the worm gear to keep things tight. Once the preload is set, the nut is crimped at the top.
The eventual firmness of the...
The eventual firmness of the steering system is adjusted to each customers' tastes by different thickness of shims (arrow), which are installed after the preload adjusters.
Next, the seal over the worm...
Next, the seal over the worm gear shaft is installed.
As the process continues,...
As the process continues, machining is performed to the box to accept the needle bearing for the shaft (A), and the new bearing is installed (B).
As the process continues,...
As the process continues, machining is performed to the box to accept the needle bearing for the shaft (A), and the new bearing is installed (B).
Next, simply slide the entire...
Next, simply slide the entire worm assembly into the casing (Note: if this doesn't go in easily, don't force it, something is wrong). Once the worm is in place, install the "castle" ring as tight as possible.
This is the sector shaft....
This is the sector shaft. From the factory, it rides against the box casting and wears. Steer & Gear can either repair or replace these shafts and reinstall them in the gearbox.
The sector shaft is installed...
The sector shaft is installed by inserting it into the case and meshing it with the worm assembly.
Now with the assembly together,...
Now with the assembly together, the endplay on the sector shaft is adjusted by turning the worm and adjusting the stud on the end of the sector shaft.
Once the proper endplay is...
Once the proper endplay is achieved, a new Teflon-lined nut is installed on the stud to lock it down. The Teflon insert will prevent leaks from the pressure behind the stud.
The box is back together....
The box is back together. Each rebuilt steering box is hooked up to a test station and checked for leaks and firmness before it's painted.
After the pump passes the...
After the pump passes the pressure test, it's painted and tagged, and ready to be shipped back to the customer. Happy cornering!