Steering Box Questions..

[Kev415]

Hi All,
I have just stripped the steering box on my 1966 1800S and have a couple of questions;

1. There was a small leak from the horn wire cover plate and on inspection this seems to be a metal on metal seal with no gasket (just the plate and some shims). I presume this is below the level of the oil in the steering box so not clear on how this provides a good seal?
2. One of the steering column bearings in the steering box is shot, therefore does anyone knows if these are still available or if anyone has a spare used one?
Many thanks, Kevin

[mocambique-amazone]

Hey Kevin,the shims are made from flexible steel, this will seal the box good enough.

You will not find one of the bearings all over the world. They are NLA since the 90s.

The hardest part to find at this steering boxes are the bearings inside. No fixing till now did last, waste of time and money. The only solution is with laser welding, very very expensive. very.
Have a closer look for another used steering box. Be prepared to buy a few till you have a realy good one in your hand. nobody knows the condition inside tll they are opened.

Sorry about the bad news, good hunting for parts, Kay

[Ron Kwas]

Kevin;

1. Leaks are typically past the Steering Shaft Seal which is available and can be replaced. I would add sealant on this plate (and shims beneath) to prevent leakage here...at link 25:30 he also mentions sealing the shims and endplate during reassembly.

2. Are you certain about the NLA bearing(s) being "shot"...the bearing surface on shaft is often pitted and that is the typical problem...a qualified welder can add material back to fill the pits, after which surface can be very carefully ground back down (by hand). These are the burdens of restorers where special parts are NLA.

See: https://youtu.be/TwqFLOxVYs0

Good Hunting!

[dingov70]

Evening , with regards to your steering column bearing , your easiest solution is to carefully remove the bearing & visit a bearing factor . They should be easily able to source /supply what you need . Volvo would use off the shelf bearings & not require one off odd bods

An alternative is to visit an engineering machine shop & let them take measurements & get them to produce a suitable insert from engineering plastic

https://www.directplastics.co.uk/oilon-rod is an excellent product .

Hope it helps you

[CLIVERALLY]

I use Penrite steering box lube and have for many years..no leeaks and good wear protection although it is a bas%%rd to fill with it and it is dear to buy.
Bearings.. yep many companies willmatch bearings

[Bob Meadows]

https://simplybearings.co.uk/shop/ Simple Bearings
https://www.bearingboys.co.uk/ Bearing Boys

Both the above are descent companies for bearings- had many classic parts from them. All bearings will have the relevant size/details marked on the side.
Bob.

[mocambique-amazone]

Originally Posted by dingov70

Evening , with regards to your steering column bearing , your easiest solution is to carefully remove the bearing & visit a bearing factor . They should be easily able to source /supply what you need . Volvo would use off the shelf bearings & not require one off odd bods

An alternative is to visit an engineering machine shop & let them take measurements & get them to produce a suitable insert from engineering plastic

https://www.directplastics.co.uk/oilon-rod is an excellent product .

Hope it helps you

Sorry, a bearing with balls made of nylon?? Really ?????

Noooooooo

[mocambique-amazone]

Originally Posted by Bob Meadows

https://simplybearings.co.uk/shop/ Simple Bearings
https://www.bearingboys.co.uk/ Bearing Boys

Both the above are descent companies for bearings- had many classic parts from them. All bearings will have the relevant size/details marked on the side.
Bob.

The only part I did find till now are the balls, one bearing part is on the shaft, as Ron mentioned, and the other part I couldn't find till now.
If you find the parts in the UK please share.

The only way to repair the bearing part on the shaft is with laser-welding or grinding down and plasma coating. No serious welder will do this job with TIG or WIG or anything else if he knows its a part of the steering.
to grind down the welds with hand I would never do, and I do a lot of things other people wouldn't do.

Good luck, Kay

[mocambique-amazone]

it will be way more cheap to buy a few used boxes instead of doing it proper at a machine shop.
IIRC I have 10 worn out boxes in my sheet, I will throw them away, stupid to store this waste.

[dingov70]

Originally Posted by mocambique-amazone

Sorry, a bearing with balls made of nylon?? Really ?????

Noooooooo

https://simplybearings.co.uk/shop/Lo...ex.html?page=1

http://www.wychbearings.co.uk/plasti...yAAEgJjkPD_BwE

And to be honest I failed to make clear I was proposing a bushing with a loose internal fit to replace the worn bearing , had it done on more than a few occasions . Oh and just for fun glass & plastic bearings

https://www.igus.co.uk/product/460