C1 Steering Box Questions

[Tom Spurgeon]

After removing layers of dirt and grease, I'm left with a very good looking manual steering box that came with my '60. Now, is it proper to rebuild the box before moving on? How many problems can occur with the box after 40-years? If it's just a matter of repacking some grease and replacing a seal or two, I may be able to handle it. However, since I have no exploded view of the internal box, with my reference material, I have no idea what could be "ready to pop-out". Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Tom

[Don H.]

Re: C1 Steering Box Questions

Usually there is play due to wear in the sector and worm gears. You can check this using the GM service manual. The gears are available or many vendors will rebuild for you. Don H.

[Mike E.]

Re: C1 Steering Box Questions

Play usually, unless it is quite severe, can be adjusted out. What often happens is that the sector (roller) loses metal (galls) because of an impact with a curb or another car, and then there is a "clunk" in it that can develop into a dangerous flat spot. The ST-12 is quite good about how to rebuild/adjust it--there are no deep dark secrets, and often if yours does not have a flat spot, all it needs is adjusting and/or cleaning. I've not run across one that needed bearings, although that does happen occasionally--and they are readily available.

[Theodore K.]

Re: C1 Steering Box Questions

Tom,
A couple of days ago there was another question on the board very similar. I have the article in PDF format from the Restorer written by Joe Calcagno. Send me a private email to: tvonkampen@charter.net and I will send to you along with contact info. This gives an excellent view of what is inside.
Ted