Today (8/7/00) I Disassembled the steering box. I was figuring it would have NO oil in it... I was right, it didn't. BUT it did have something else in it; Grease, and LOTS of it. I was Laughing-out-loud when I saw how much was in there. Whoever worked on it last, or rebuilt it last, FILLED it with grease (the really thick wheel bearing stuff). At least it had *some* lubrication. The parts inside looked pretty good, after they were cleaned. I went around town, and finally found some oil seals for it (at a local bearing supply company). I looked for them at the dealer first... After they finished laughing at me, and realized I was serious, they told me to try some other place (where I had already been). The parts I cant find the right size for are the 2 bronze bearing sleeves. I can get them in American sizes (which would be oversized), then I'd have to machine them down to the correct size. I still need to mic. them, and if they are out of specs, then I may do that. *IF* the worm, and roller gear aren't worn to bad, this steering box may have some life left in it. (which would save me $$$)
Here's a pic of how Greasy the steering box was, when I opened it up... There was more on the gears too! (the box is supposed to be full of OIL, not GREASE!)
Here's what it looked like after I cleaned it
Here's what the worm and roller gears looked like after they were cleaned
These are the roller bearings that go inside the box, they appear to be in very good shape, so they will be going back in.
On the top are the old oil seals, and on the bottom are the new oil seals.
This is the gasket that came out of the box... I cant find any in town, so I'm going to cut my own.
These are the 2 bronze bearing sleeves. I haven't pulled them out yet. I need to mic. them first and decide if they need to be replaced. If they do, I'm gonna have to buy American sized units (which are lightly larger), and machine them down in the lathe.
Once all this is done, and the box is put back together, I will check the 'play' on it. If its too much, its time for another steering box, and if its good, Ill just install this one.
Stay tuned for Part 4!
