Community Forums

yn1bennett · 05-19-2016, 09:20 AM

Hi. I was told yesterday that the 4-5 inch play in my steering wheel is caused by a worn out steering box. Unit has 33,000 miles on it!!! Can't believe it worn out already.
Can't seem to find a replacement. I got a lead or two on rebuilding @ about $500. I found a remanufactured one for $1,095.00.
The place that told me that it was worn out stated that there was no adjusting on this unit.
Anyone got any good info for me?

Thanks.

USMC1968 · 05-19-2016, 11:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by yn1bennett

Hi. I was told yesterday that the 4-5 inch play in my steering wheel is caused by a worn out steering box. Unit has 33,000 miles on it!!! Can't believe it worn out already.
Can't seem to find a replacement. I got a lead or two on rebuilding @ about $500. I found a remanufactured one for $1,095.00.
The place that told me that it was worn out stated that there was no adjusting on this unit.
Anyone got any good info for me?

Thanks.

make, model, year, would help...

yn1bennett · 05-19-2016, 01:13 PM

Sorry. 1999 National Dolphin 5360.

Thanks,

Richard S. · 05-19-2016, 05:28 PM

Is it Ford or Chevy

hydro45640 · 05-20-2016, 04:41 AM

Check the drag link and the tie rod for worn joints. They will wear out from lack of grease way before the steering box.

yn1bennett · 05-20-2016, 06:54 AM

It's on a ford chassis.

cyclone429 · 05-29-2016, 03:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hydro45640

Check the drag link and the tie rod for worn joints. They will wear out from lack of grease way before the steering box.

I second that, never heard of a steering box worn out with a few miles on it.

hammer55 · 05-29-2016, 04:09 AM

I would check on a bell crank for it, extremely better made

https://www.google.com/search?q=bell...HSKMCmgQsxgIHg

Scooter · 05-29-2016, 08:46 AM

A wild guess is there are some splines under the horn button. Are they OK?

yn1bennett · 06-10-2016, 11:25 AM

After some searching, found a qualified mechanic to test and found out steering box has too much play and requires rebuilding.
He took it out and will install for $200.00.
I have sent to Indianapolis, Indiana for rebuild for $299.95. 66 lb steering box cost $60.00 to send UPS.
With a 24 hours turn-around, hope to have it reinstalled by Thursday, 17 June.
Will update after reinstallation.
Ford had this remanufactured steering box for $1,100.00 with a $300.00 core charge. Ford Dealer wanted $125.00 an hour and would charge at least 4 hours to remove. 4 hours to reinstall.
Pricey.....yes...So, hopefully, this will work.

yn1bennett · 06-17-2016, 07:57 AM

Well. It's been rebuilt and is on it's way back to me. Should be here today (Friday). Hopefully have it reinstalled on Saturday and get possession of it by Sunday Morning.

Name of the Company that rebuilds Steering Gear Boxes:
INDIANPOLIS RACK AND AXLE
INDIANAPOLIS, IN 46205
(800) 733-0215

I will let everyone know how it works after I get it back.

yn1bennett · 06-20-2016, 08:31 AM

Ok. So, Sunday (yesterday), my mechanic replaced the Steering Gear Box. It's not as good and I would have thought (the play in the steering wheel), but, it's a definite improvement.
Now to a $200.00 front end alignment to center the steering wheel and possibly make driving a little more fun than work.

Thanks for allowing me to vent a little.

yn1bennett · 06-21-2016, 07:45 AM

My mechanic stated to me that the passenger front of my unit had a small list to the right and was down lower on that side.
What would I have to look at to adjust or get the front alignment people to look at to adjust or check this situation out?

Ted Lambert · 06-21-2016, 08:34 AM

If the play has not been taken out!
Can you answer this question?
How did your mechanic trouble shoot the problem.
The way to trouble shoot a steering box is to observe the steering wheel travel and at what degree the pitman arm begins to move.
If you still have play I would really question the work on the box or the thoroughness of the trouble shooting.
Something is not right!