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sloppy steering[1800/66] posted by Ted A on
Wednesday, 4 August 1999, at 3:39 p.m.
I have about an inch or so of play in the steering wheel that I would like to get rid of. The adjustment screw looks to have been tightened all the way down on the steering box. should I make the assumption that I need a "new" box? Or is the problem more likely the steering column itself?
I got a quote for a box of $300. how's that sound?
Is it possible to have a machine shop rebuild a box?
thanks, ted
--Ted A '85 240 , '66 1800S
Re: sloppy steering[1800/66] posted by George Downs on
Wednesday, 4 August 1999, at 3:55 p.m.
There used to be a rebuild kit for them. Don't know if it is
still available but I am also heading that way. If the two
main gears, the worm and the follower, are bad, you
can't rebuild it. Bearings and seals usually give out
first though. Bearings also affect the adjustment.
There are lots of other components in your steering that
can contribute to that problem, especially
the steering "rods", tie rod ends, and the idler arm
bushing. Also the joint in the steering column.
George Downs Bartlesville, Oklahoma
Re: sloppy steering[1800/66] posted by Steve Seekins on
Wednesday, 4 August 1999, at 4:58 p.m.
The boxes are usually rebuildable. The easy part is the steering shaft bushings and seals - they are standard bearings readily abailable at any good bearing house. The hard part is the pitman shaft bushing (vertical shaft) that wears. This must be pressed in and may not be available from Classic Parts (check with Mitch Duncan - I has mentioned this part to him a year ago, so perhaps they have them now). However, I suspect that a good machinist can locate a stock bushing, install it, and ream it to the correct size. The seals and bearings you can do yourself.
Also, as George mentioned - a common problem is worn tie rod ends and loose idler shaft bushing.
--Steve Seekins
Thursday, 5 August 1999, at 12:24 a.m.
Im sure you've checked it, but you might look carefully at the pitman arm, and see that the play is in the steering box, not elsewhere, like in tierods. I dont really think an inch is bad-that is not a lot of play in an old 1800-these are not rack&pinion cars. If the bolt is all the way down in the box-that might be an indication that a new box is in order-but not necessarely. Have someone turn the wheel-look at the pitman arm. If you notice its going "side to side"(play in the bushing)-thats a problem. If its not moving at all-thats a problem. Im sure youve looked at the rubber bushing in the steering column itself-they can wear out, which would cause the play to be before the box. There are definitly many sources of play in the steering-the box is only one of them. $300 is probably fair-for a good steering box, but if its just a used one, in unknown condition-Id be hesitant. Also-be sure that box is off an 1800, not a 122, because I believe the ratio is different-even though the boxes look the same on the outside.
--Dan B - 62 P-1800
Re: sloppy steering[1800/66] posted by Justin on
Thursday, 5 August 1999, at 12:41 p.m.
I just had some work done on the fron end of my 1800 and we discovered that the steering box ws loose on the frame!! This caused play in the steering because, as you get farther from the box, any play is amplified at the wheels. Once that was tightened up, it made a world of difference. Just a thought.