59 Steering Box Rebuild

[frankthetank81]

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?

Thanks

[60ragtop]

http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/search.php?search...=titleonly
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Rick
Certified Mechanic by the State of Michigan in 1977
ASA certified in 1987
Certified Hunter Wheel Alignment Master Technician 1986

[Zundfolge1432]

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

[bill may]

excellent advice Jim as always. change box and arm to 1962 and newer type steering box. but you must use matching drop arm.
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Admin note: Bill Passed away - July, 2017

1965 panel bus-Kermit
"Camping is cheaper than therapy"
www.sv2s.com
www.steeringboxscrapers.net
SBS #100
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=453617

[frankthetank81]

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!

[frankthetank81]

Right after removal:

After Soaking in Gunk engine cleaner and taken to the quarter car wash:

[grandpa pete]

[frankthetank81]

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.

[Mr. Mike]

[frankthetank81]

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?

[frankthetank81]

Picked up the parts from the powder coater a few days ago, they came out really well. Will post pics soon.

[raycer60]

[frankthetank81]

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.

[raycer60]

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.
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59 De Luxe Sedan with grafted ragtop

[Snort]

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.

[frankthetank81]

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.

[frankthetank81]

A little prep work before I paint the spindles. I used ear plugs for all the holes.

[frankthetank81]

[raycer60]

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.
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59 De Luxe Sedan with grafted ragtop

[frankthetank81]