Manual Steering Box Rebuild

[sixt9x33rs]

Guys,

I had the above restored by Lares Corp. Frankly, wish I would had gone elsewhere. I had to send it back once I got it back because the box still had slop in it. Once received they called me and said there was a bushing that needed to be installed which they missed the first time. I have no problem with this. People make mistakes. They paid for the shipping etc. Got it back and it drove well until the slop returned. I was like man now what. So had a buddy over and while turning the steering wheel the top cover of the box was moving due to the fasteners being loose. I tightened them skeptical. Drove the car not many miles. Now they are lose again and tightened them up with lock tight this time. Are these bolts the style that you use them one and when removed you throw them out and install new ones? Or should I just put lock washers on the box? I don't want to do that because as I recall that is not right? Maybe the lock tight will work, but that just does not seem like a long term fix.

Thanks

Lawrence

[ss jim]

I did my own box years ago. It's a pretty straightforward process if you can round up the necessary bushings and such. Unless you've got some severe wear problems the bolts should remain tight and as far as I know they can be reused. If you have a Chassis Overhaul Manual, Section 9 gives you all the info you need. I actually had to make my own bushing for the cover because they were not available. This was in 1980 so the aftermarket may now supply everything you would need.

[ZLP955]

Another awesome resource for rebuilding and adjusting your GM steering box is Jim Shea's technical papers: http://jimshea.corvettefaq.com

[sixt9x33rs]

ZLP955, great info thank you for sharing the site!

Lawrence