Steering gear box rebuild? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

rchavez101 · 10-21-2011, 10:40 PM

I have a 94 chevy that needs the steering box replaced or rebuilt. Do they sale a kit to rebuild them yourself if not can you get a remanufactured one? If so where might be the best place to buy a rebuild kit or remanufactured one. I have thought of going to the junkyard but you never know the condition of them.

rchavez101 · 10-21-2011, 11:05 PM

oops I posted this before I did my research. I found them at autozone for a decent price. I recently changed out my inner and outer tierods but i should make sure it's not the idler arms. I have some play in the steering wheel. Any other suggestions what it could be besides the gear box?

89chevsj · 10-22-2011, 12:53 AM

pitman arm maybe? I just tightened my gearbox instead of rebuilding or replacing.

rchavez101 · 10-22-2011, 10:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 89chevsj

pitman arm maybe? I just tightened my gearbox instead of rebuilding or replacing.

How do you go about doing that? Detailed info would be appreciated.

**Boog** · 10-22-2011, 10:31 AM

"tightening" the gear box is not recommended. Yes there is a preload adjustment bolt on top of the box but if tightened too much it will feel fine on center but can bind up when turned. Read that dangerous. Be sure to read up on it in the service manual before attempting to adjust it.
Reman'd sectors aren't all that expensive and should have some warranty with it.

Also the idler arm is the normal culprit for steering looseness. I always replace with a Moog unit. Crawl under there and push up on the center link and watch how much the idler arm moves. Put some leverage on it.

rchavez101 · 10-22-2011, 10:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Boog

"tightening" the gear box is not recommended. Yes there is a preload adjustment bolt on top of the box but if tightened too much it will feel fine on center but can bind up when turned. Read that dangerous. Be sure to read up on it in the service manual before attempting to adjust it.
Reman'd sectors aren't all that expensive and should have some warranty with it.

Also the idler arm is the normal culprit for steering looseness. I always replace with a Moog unit. Crawl under there and push up on the center link and watch how much the idler arm moves. Put some leverage on it.

Enough said. I didn't know there would be a danger. I will go out and buy a new one. Thanks for the help.

Dark Knight · 10-24-2011, 02:43 PM

It could also be a bad rag joint. NAPA has them for $10-$12. Just remove the old one, drill out the rivets, replace the rubber, and bolt the new one in. Really tightened up my steering. AFTER I spent about $200 on other parts.

rchavez101 · 10-24-2011, 03:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dark Knight

It could also be a bad rag joint. NAPA has them for $10-$12. Just remove the old one, drill out the rivets, replace the rubber, and bolt the new one in. Really tightened up my steering. AFTER I spent about $200 on other parts.

What is a rag joint?

Dark Knight · 10-24-2011, 08:52 PM

It's the little rubber disc that connects the lower steering shaft (coming from the column) to your steering box. Sometimes referred to as a steering coupler.

10-21-2011, 10:40 PM	#1
rchavez101 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Rio Rancho NM Posts: 503	Steering gear box rebuild? I have a 94 chevy that needs the steering box replaced or rebuilt. Do they sale a kit to rebuild them yourself if not can you get a remanufactured one? If so where might be the best place to buy a rebuild kit or remanufactured one. I have thought of going to the junkyard but you never know the condition of them. __________________ 94 Chevy SWB in progress. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=477390

10-21-2011, 11:05 PM	#2
rchavez101 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Rio Rancho NM Posts: 503	Re: Steering gear box rebuild? oops I posted this before I did my research. I found them at autozone for a decent price. I recently changed out my inner and outer tierods but i should make sure it's not the idler arms. I have some play in the steering wheel. Any other suggestions what it could be besides the gear box? __________________ 94 Chevy SWB in progress. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=477390

10-22-2011, 12:53 AM	#3
89chevsj error 404 Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: soldotna alaska Posts: 1,252	Re: Steering gear box rebuild? pitman arm maybe? I just tightened my gearbox instead of rebuilding or replacing. __________________ 89 Chevy swb 350 "SJ" DD turned parts truck. SOLD 90 Chevy ext cab loooongbed. "storm trooper" Rust In Peace. 06 Kia sorento wife's car 06 charger srt8 "lucifer" my toy '12 Kia optima

10-22-2011, 10:31 AM	#5
Boog laying low Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Searcy, Ark. USA Posts: 14,116	Re: Steering gear box rebuild? "tightening" the gear box is not recommended. Yes there is a preload adjustment bolt on top of the box but if tightened too much it will feel fine on center but can bind up when turned. Read that dangerous. Be sure to read up on it in the service manual before attempting to adjust it. Reman'd sectors aren't all that expensive and should have some warranty with it. Also the idler arm is the normal culprit for steering looseness. I always replace with a Moog unit. Crawl under there and push up on the center link and watch how much the idler arm moves. Put some leverage on it. __________________ Boog 69 Chevy stepside, 358/T350, 4.11 posi, 4.5/4 drop, rallys, poboy driver 'primer is finer' Tahoe, Yukon & GMC Crewcab All GM..'nuff said. I stand for the flag and kneel at the cross

10-24-2011, 02:43 PM	#7
Dark Knight Registered User Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Pleak, Texas Posts: 420	Re: Steering gear box rebuild? It could also be a bad rag joint. NAPA has them for $10-$12. Just remove the old one, drill out the rivets, replace the rubber, and bolt the new one in. Really tightened up my steering. AFTER I spent about $200 on other parts. __________________ -1967 Chevrolet Fleetside LWB- 350 V8 w/thumpr cam, NV3500, 3.08 gears, A/C, PS -1983 Chevy Silverado C1500- 383 stroker, TH400 -1989 Chevy Silverado K1500 SWB- 5.3L swap, 700R4, 3.42 gears -And a '66 Ford Mustang- 200 I6, C4 trans, rust bucket "The only thing we have to fear is fear itself." -FDR (and maybe rust too) You've gotta be able to stop and steer before you can go fast!

10-24-2011, 08:52 PM	#9
Dark Knight Registered User Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Pleak, Texas Posts: 420	Re: Steering gear box rebuild? It's the little rubber disc that connects the lower steering shaft (coming from the column) to your steering box. Sometimes referred to as a steering coupler. __________________ -1967 Chevrolet Fleetside LWB- 350 V8 w/thumpr cam, NV3500, 3.08 gears, A/C, PS -1983 Chevy Silverado C1500- 383 stroker, TH400 -1989 Chevy Silverado K1500 SWB- 5.3L swap, 700R4, 3.42 gears -And a '66 Ford Mustang- 200 I6, C4 trans, rust bucket "The only thing we have to fear is fear itself." -FDR (and maybe rust too) You've gotta be able to stop and steer before you can go fast!



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