Box fitting instructions.
These instructions are particular to Holden and Ford steering boxes but can also be used for most steering box makes.
Thank you for your purchase of one of the highest quality reconditioned steering boxes available.
Please read carefully and follow the simple notes and fitting instructions provided. This will help ensure easier fitment, and result in a better feel and drive enjoyment for years to come.
- Condition of Oil.
Before fitting your reconditioned steering box, inspect the quality and condition of the existing oil in the system. The system should be free of foreign materials, and the oil should be a clear to pink colour. If you suspect foreign materials are present, or if the oil looks dark, burnt, or silvery; be sure to flush the system with the old box fitted. Flush the system before removal of the old box.
- Check the Condition of the Coupling & Pitman Arm.
If you see, or suspect any wear or play that could adversely affect operation or safety, replace either or both of these items.
- Removal & Fitting of Reconditioned Steering Box.
While removing the old box, or fitting the new/reconditioned box, avoid the use of hammers &/or levers.
Do not use levers or hammers while fitting. This will help prevent damage to your old core or new steering box.
Hammer strikes on, or around the housing where seals are fitted, may render your old core useless. Consequently, you may lose your deposit.
Hammer strikes on, or around sealing points on the new / reconditioned box, may cause leaks and void your warranty. Care must be taken when fitting.
- Positioning. Extremely Important!
Boxes have the free play adjustment at the high point of an eccentric. Boxes come supplied on centre position, ready to be fitted. What this means is, once the shaft is turned 10 degrees to the left, or 10 degrees to the right, they come off the high spot and play is present.
Holden. The way to tell if it is on a high spot on a Holden box is, the flat on the input shaft, where the coupling at the top is fitted, should be pointing straight up.
Ford. On a Ford box, there is a master spline. This is a spline on the input shaft, where the coupling fits on, which is wider than the rest of the splines. This spline is difficult to see once the coupling is fitted.
Note; A handy hint is to mark the coupling and box with white out to easily visually identify the master spline position.
If looking from the top, it will be aligned with the hose fittings. It must be fitted in this position, and once the job is finished and the car is in straight ahead position, that flat must still be pointed up.
If it is not, you can fix it by re-aligning the flat to the top, remove the steering wheel and refit the steering wheel in that position. Remember to tune and re-align the front end. Drive the vehicle, put it back in the straight position, and check that the flat is aligned at the top again. If it is not, repeat the procedure until it is.
Failing to fit the box in correct position may introduce two problems:
* Excessive play on centre, &/or
* The steering wheel will turn one way more than the other.
We strongly recommend any work on steering and suspension be performed by someone competent and qualified in the area. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us during business hours, on 03 9874 8129.