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frankthetank81 Samba Member
Joined: November 26, 2012 Posts: 238 Location: Belleville, Mi
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Posted: Tue Jan 17, 2017 5:58 am Post subject: 59 Steering Box Rebuild |
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So I am rebuilding the front end of my car, I have the box off, it looks like it is leaking from every possible orifice. I have seen a few how to articles online, but cannot find what parts are needed in terms of seals. I know you have to make a gasket for the top of the box, which is no big deal. Does anyone know?
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60ragtop Bonneville Belt Bitch
Joined: March 13, 2006 Posts: 7800 Location: Big Wonderful WYO 82401
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Posted: Tue Jan 17, 2017 6:58 am Post subject: Re: 59 Steering Box Rebuild-Parts? |
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http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/search.php?search...=titleonly _________________ Rick
Certified Mechanic by the State of Michigan in 1977
ASA certified in 1987
Certified Hunter Wheel Alignment Master Technician 1986
tasb wrote: |
I've restored a large number too, but I don't toot my horn quite as loud.
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sb001 wrote: |
maybe he just snapped cause his car sucked |
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Zundfolge1432 Samba Member
Joined: June 13, 2004 Posts: 12466
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Posted: Tue Jan 17, 2017 7:09 am Post subject: Re: 59 Steering Box Rebuild-Parts? |
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As with many aftermarket parts available now the quality is suspect. If you go over to the type 3 forums you'll see a nice write up on what it takes to rebuild a steering box. He started by taking several original boxes apart to see the common wear areas. He also took apart a TRW box which was Zero miles NIB.
Very interesting and revealing were the signs of visible wear without ever having been installed on the car. Even more interesting it was machined off center rendering it unusable.OOOpps
Lots of photos, measurements then went about sourcing parts. He found that most if not all of the parts are obsolete, but he searched worldwide for parts came up with a few then took it upon himself to have some reproduced, including that gasket you mentioned. The seals are still being made that's about it.
He is considering if there is a need, a niche market to rebuild these boxes on an exchange basis but I have my doubts as VW people are cheap they don't want to pay but expect OE quality. So currently you can buy a TRW replacement box and hope for the best. A few chimed in about how they've not had a problem using them. It should be noted they did not take the time to compare OE to TRW. As it is now you might get away with the TRW if you just have an occasional driver and don't expect 30-50 years and a few hundred thousand miles of faithful service. Do yourself a favor view the topic, be informed. You can adapt the later model box to your early sedan in case you wondered. You'll find out what corn head grease is used for |
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bill may Samba Member
Joined: August 27, 2003 Posts: 14160 Location: san diego,ca
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frankthetank81 Samba Member
Joined: November 26, 2012 Posts: 238 Location: Belleville, Mi
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Posted: Thu Jan 19, 2017 5:55 am Post subject: Re: 59 Steering Box Rebuild-Parts? |
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So I have the seals all lined up and have the box just about completely dis-assembled. I am going to powder coat it. My question is should I go Gloss Black or Satin Black?
Also the larger of the two shafts, the one with the bearing and collar on it. I cannot not get it out. I can rotate it, but that is about it. I don't want to start forcing stuff if I don't have to. I am letting it soak in PB blaster so I am hopping that will help out. Any tips would be appreciated! |
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frankthetank81 Samba Member
Joined: November 26, 2012 Posts: 238 Location: Belleville, Mi
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Posted: Thu Jan 19, 2017 6:01 am Post subject: Re: 59 Steering Box Rebuild-Parts? |
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Right after removal:
After Soaking in Gunk engine cleaner and taken to the quarter car wash:
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grandpa pete Samba Member
Joined: July 06, 2008 Posts: 6426 Location: St. Petersburg, FL
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frankthetank81 Samba Member
Joined: November 26, 2012 Posts: 238 Location: Belleville, Mi
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Posted: Thu Jan 19, 2017 9:07 pm Post subject: Re: 59 Steering Box Rebuild-Parts? |
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So next question. Is there any way to remove the other bearing in the box with out damaging it? I really want o have the housing powder coated, but don't believe that would be a good idea for the bearing left in there.
Any thoughts?
Should I try getting it powder coated or just media blast it and paint it. |
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Mr. Mike Samba Member
Joined: January 30, 2015 Posts: 513 Location: Shoreline, WA
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Posted: Thu Jan 19, 2017 9:41 pm Post subject: Re: 59 Steering Box Rebuild-Parts? |
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Zundfolge1432 wrote: |
As with many aftermarket parts available now the quality is suspect. If you go over to the type 3 forums you'll see a nice write up on what it takes to rebuild a steering box. He started by taking several original boxes apart to see the common wear areas. He also took apart a TRW box which was Zero miles NIB.
Very interesting and revealing were the signs of visible wear without ever having been installed on the car. Even more interesting it was machined off center rendering it unusable.OOOpps
Lots of photos, measurements then went about sourcing parts. He found that most if not all of the parts are obsolete, but he searched worldwide for parts came up with a few then took it upon himself to have some reproduced, including that gasket you mentioned. The seals are still being made that's about it.
He is considering if there is a need, a niche market to rebuild these boxes on an exchange basis but I have my doubts as VW people are cheap they don't want to pay but expect OE quality. So currently you can buy a TRW replacement box and hope for the best. A few chimed in about how they've not had a problem using them. It should be noted they did not take the time to compare OE to TRW. As it is now you might get away with the TRW if you just have an occasional driver and don't expect 30-50 years and a few hundred thousand miles of faithful service. Do yourself a favor view the topic, be informed. You can adapt the later model box to your early sedan in case you wondered. You'll find out what corn head grease is used for |
So true about aftermarket parts, hold on and repair your original. Here's OKType3Tim's writeup, referenced above.
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=660446
I suspect the bearing will come out with a puller.
If it were me, I'd clean and paint. You do what you want.
Cheers!
Mike _________________ 1964 Sedan 6 volt |
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frankthetank81 Samba Member
Joined: November 26, 2012 Posts: 238 Location: Belleville, Mi
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Posted: Tue Jan 24, 2017 6:22 am Post subject: Re: 59 Steering Box Rebuild-Parts? |
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Update so I got the bearing out with out damage. It is all ready to go to the powder coater.
What would be more period correct, Satin Black or Gloss Black? |
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frankthetank81 Samba Member
Joined: November 26, 2012 Posts: 238 Location: Belleville, Mi
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Posted: Thu Feb 16, 2017 12:42 pm Post subject: Re: 59 Steering Box Rebuild-Parts? |
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Picked up the parts from the powder coater a few days ago, they came out really well. Will post pics soon. |
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raycer60 Samba Member
Joined: January 15, 2013 Posts: 167 Location: H Town Texas
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Posted: Thu Feb 16, 2017 1:32 pm Post subject: Re: 59 Steering Box Rebuild-Parts? |
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frankthetank81 wrote: |
Update so I got the bearing out with out damage. |
How did you do that? I went through the same you are doing now about rebuilding my 59 box but my bearing is bad and I did not even try to pull the piece out because the inside of the cover is corroded at a couple of spots and it started leaking after I cleaned/painted/put together. Bought a TRW but really want to refurbish my original box.
I bet the new powder coating looks awesome. _________________ 59 De Luxe Sedan with grafted ragtop |
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frankthetank81 Samba Member
Joined: November 26, 2012 Posts: 238 Location: Belleville, Mi
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Posted: Thu Feb 16, 2017 2:06 pm Post subject: Re: 59 Steering Box Rebuild-Parts? |
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So it is actually really easy.
Hammer out gently the plug(Looks like a freeze plug) with a smaller diameter punch/socket that is smaller than the ID of the bearing. Once that is out then you can access the bearing from the other side and use a socket that just barely fits thru the casting and gently tap the bearing out. |
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raycer60 Samba Member
Joined: January 15, 2013 Posts: 167 Location: H Town Texas
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Posted: Thu Feb 16, 2017 2:30 pm Post subject: Re: 59 Steering Box Rebuild-Parts? |
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I will try that. I think the hard part will be finding a replacement bearing if this one is bad. But with it out I can measure so I will have the specs to search. Thank you. _________________ 59 De Luxe Sedan with grafted ragtop |
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Snort Samba Member
Joined: April 02, 2005 Posts: 1957 Location: Seattle, WA
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Posted: Thu Feb 16, 2017 8:18 pm Post subject: Re: 59 Steering Box Rebuild-Parts? |
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The problem with replacing bearings on these steering boxes is that the inner race of the bearing is machined into the steering worm shaft. If the bearing needs replacement then it's a good bet the worm shaft needs replacement or rebuilding/remachining etc. |
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frankthetank81 Samba Member
Joined: November 26, 2012 Posts: 238 Location: Belleville, Mi
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Posted: Fri Feb 17, 2017 5:39 am Post subject: Re: 59 Steering Box Rebuild-Parts? |
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I polished this bad boy up with my dremel and some WD-40
Can't wait to get this back together. I am hoping between this, a new poly steering coupler, sway bar (never had one), adding stabilizer this will make the steering a lot tighter and responsive. |
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frankthetank81 Samba Member
Joined: November 26, 2012 Posts: 238 Location: Belleville, Mi
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Posted: Mon Feb 20, 2017 1:25 pm Post subject: Re: 59 Steering Box Rebuild-Parts? |
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A little prep work before I paint the spindles. I used ear plugs for all the holes.
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frankthetank81 Samba Member
Joined: November 26, 2012 Posts: 238 Location: Belleville, Mi
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Posted: Mon Mar 06, 2017 9:38 am Post subject: Finished! |
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raycer60 Samba Member
Joined: January 15, 2013 Posts: 167 Location: H Town Texas
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Posted: Mon Mar 06, 2017 10:04 am Post subject: Re: 59 Steering Box Rebuild |
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WOW. Great job! Do you need me to pm my shipping address?...
I don't think it was mentioned, but what did you use as lubricant to fill the box? When I did mine I used corn head grease. _________________ 59 De Luxe Sedan with grafted ragtop |
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frankthetank81 Samba Member
Joined: November 26, 2012 Posts: 238 Location: Belleville, Mi
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Posted: Mon Mar 06, 2017 10:42 am Post subject: Re: 59 Steering Box Rebuild |
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raycer60 wrote: |
WOW. Great job! Do you need me to pm my shipping address?...
I don't think it was mentioned, but what did you use as lubricant to fill the box? When I did mine I used corn head grease. |
Thanks!
I just filled it just about to the top with 90W oil for a rear end. It seemed like people were either just using grease for ball bearings and packing it in (For leaking boxes) or just using rear end dope. |
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