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Steering box bushings
Posted: Sun Jun 16, 2019 8:21 pm
by PareosWC
I know on my old jeeps, that having a machine shop ream the steering box/bushings made a world of difference in steering play. I've replaced about every other part of the steering linkage in my WC during its rebuild, so while the box is out of the truck, does machining in new bushings help here as well?
Re: Steering box bushings
Posted: Mon Jun 17, 2019 12:36 am
by Adam in Wa
Replacing the upper bronze cone with a roller bearing is probably the most effective..
I did this mod on my 48 Power Wagon; many thanks to Paul from NY.
Since the WC’s and PWs take the same bronze bushings this should work.
https://imageevent.com/moosecreekmaple/ ... y4o1.cat_s
Re: Steering box bushings
Posted: Mon Jun 17, 2019 5:51 am
by PareosWC
Thanks, Adam. I had this page as a 'Favorite', but forgot I even had it!
Re: Steering box bushings
Posted: Mon Jun 17, 2019 6:05 am
by June J
Hi Adam,
as a general rule, you would only ream sector shaft bushings if you had installed new bushings. Having said that, obviously if you have installed new bushings you would have to ream them.
I would suggest you get the sector shaft and bushings measured and if within the specified clearance, leave well alone. Conversely if there is wear then new bushings and reaming is required.
Cheers
Ian
Re: Steering box bushings
Posted: Mon Jun 17, 2019 6:14 am
by PareosWC
Ian, is it as easy as just 'watching' and feeling for play as the sector shaft rotates in the housing, or does the shaft need to be pulled and measured, along with the bushings? I don't want to overthink this, but I like as tight of steering as possible.
Re: Steering box bushings
Posted: Thu Jun 20, 2019 4:58 am
by June J
The issue with "watch and feel" is that the clearance between bush and sector shaft is only around 0.002" (the thickness of a human hair) so most people would struggle to discern that amount. Ultimately if you cannot feel any lateral movement with the sector installed with oil on the bushings, then leave it as is. If you can feel movement I think I would renew the bushings.
Finished (reamed) diameter for the installed bushings is 1.375".
Cheers
Ian
Re: Steering box bushings
Posted: Thu Jun 20, 2019 6:05 am
by PareosWC
Finished (reamed) diameter for the installed bushings is 1.375".
Thanks, June! It seems to me that the reamed inside diameter should be whatever size the shaft is? Or does that shaft not see any wear, whatsoever?
Re: Steering box bushings
Posted: Thu Jun 20, 2019 6:15 am
by June J
Yes, the shaft will wear, but that will cause a step on the shaft that you will be able to feel with your finger nail. If that happens you "could " metal spray the shaft, but I would replace it.
The 1.375 dimension is the only specification in the shop manual. If you decide to renew the bushings. That is the dimension you need to give to your machine shop.
Cheers
Ian