69 Camaro Manual Steering Box Rebuild

[169yenko]

Anyone ever rebuilt one of the GM Saginaw Manual steering boxes? Is this better sent off and left to the pro's for a rebuild or better to just get a rebuilt one and use mine as a core? I see Rick's has some bearings, races and seals to rebuild them. Is that typically all that's needed? Mine has a small amount of play. I build my own engines, so I figure there cannot be that much in that box. I have said that before on stuff and had to do the..."That will be X amount to fix it, but since you have screwed it up trying to fix it, it will now be XX the amount." LOL Thought I'd ask first. Thanks.

[m22mike]

Go for it, there simple. Worst part might be getting the pinion arm off.Use some heat and smack the end of the pinion puller with a hammer and it should pop loose. Also remember to unscrew the aluminum cover with the adjusting screw to get it off, once the three bolts are removed. Don't beat on it.The screw is threaded to the cover.
Most likley you will only need to replace the two oil seals, and maybe the upper and lower plain sleeve bearings.
The ball bearings and races will be OK unless there is water damage.
When you get it back together, clamp it in a vice and adjust the rack at the center position, you will be able to feel it better than when it is on the car, you just want some light drag. The center position is the tightest spot.
Hope this helps.

Mike A

[69 Code51 Z]

Mike
You have a source for the upper bearing?
Thanks Carl

[m22mike]

No I don't, however you can use a lower plain bearing and cut it down to the length as needed to fit in the cover. There the same diameter.
I have also bought plain bearings at a local bearing supply.
Mike A

[VintageMusclecar]

You might check with Casey marks, who is a member here. He is currently doing my steering box for my Chevelle. Very nice man to deal with.

Eric

[69 Code51 Z]

I have done a few of these manual boxes. The original dia. of the sector shaft is different top to bottom by a few thousand's. The shafts are ground to size so in my opinion the bushing would be different. Both bushings have spiral grease slots so I'm not sure if there would be any long term issues in using a std bushing w/o the grease slots.

Carl

[cib12]

you can get the seals at NAPA but i havent any luck with the rest of the parts that could be needed

[cib12]

when you take the pitman arm off- please spend $10 and buy a puller for the pitman arm-a retired tech of 35 yrs

[Casey Marks]

[ QUOTE ]
when you take the pitman arm off- please spend $10 and buy a puller for the pitman arm-a retired tech of 35 yrs

[/ QUOTE ]

What he said ........ !!

[jasonL78]

How much oil should be in the steering box and what type? I am going to rebuild my original also.

Jason