Series IIa: Steeringbox - Thinking ahead.

"Dr_D" wrote

I thought the slack could be adjusted out on those using the square nut. Or am I thinking of something else?

There's no rocket science involved, Haynes covers them if memory serves. The case isn't available, but the internals are.

Richard

You can take out some slack with the adjuster nut on the side of the box, but take care not to tighten too much or you loose self centering. It helped alot on my 2a, but can't fix a knackered box.

Andrew

Depends on where the wear is how successful the adjustment is. As someone else said, repair is pretty simple unless the case is damaged, and in many cases the only parts needed will be bearings and rocker shaft bush and seal, although all internal parts can be replaced. Pretty well covered in the manual, and the biggest part of the job is probably removing and replacing the steering box - once you've done this the overhaul is pretty simple, although if you need a new shaft etc it could get expensive. Nowhere near as difficult as with power steering boxes. JD

You will probably find that you need a new shaft assembly as the bearing tracks are usually worn through. As well as the bearings and shaft if it's the recirculating ball type you will need to replace the tube for these and the balls.

Martin

I was agreeing with you about the shaft and, as you say, not difficult but can you still get these parts?, and yes, they're bound to be expensive. If you spin the wheel with the drag link disconnected, you don't need to strip it to see what it's like, you will hear it growling in the bearings if it's knackered. I'm lucky, I've just found an old bulkhead with a steering box that's as smooth as a sewing machine fastened to it. Wahey, I need one for my '63 109".

Martin

You're probably right - maybe I was being an optimist - but in any case it should not be a difficult job, just gets pricey if a lot of parts are needed. JD

I don't think you can get the shaft for the wire spoked wheel, so if you've found one of them, you are in luck. I believe all other parts except the housing are still available, and of course you can always change to the later type.

In my experience, the boxes rarely give any trouble - provided they are kept full of oil (not dry and not filled with water), but they often seem to get forgotten when the vehicle is being serviced, and if the seal on the sector shaft goes they need regular topping up (or the seal replacing). JD

JD uttered summat worrerz funny about:

H'mmm spoked it is. I will have to get the jack under and try it again, It's not moved for around 2 and a half years now.

Lee

The Suff. B case on is still available, as is the complete box/column assembly. Er, there on my site and I sold one not long a go. Must have a word with the little grey cells one day....

541899 Steering Box Casing - RHD - Series IIa from Suff. B =A3240.76 inc VAT 551702 Steering Box - Complete With Column - Series II =A3250.00 Inc VAT

Richard

Richard