steering box overhaul
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- ppeters914
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steering box overhaul
Searched the TechWiki and forums first.....mentions of folks doing it, but no details.
My steering and idler boxes appear in great shape; little to no play..... wooHOO! I'd like to replace seals and gaskets (surprised no one has posted a list of items...maybe it's obvious), which means pulling the arms off the shafts.
Any tips before disassembly, i.e. things to note or punch mark, etc.?
Thanks.
My steering and idler boxes appear in great shape; little to no play..... wooHOO! I'd like to replace seals and gaskets (surprised no one has posted a list of items...maybe it's obvious), which means pulling the arms off the shafts.
Any tips before disassembly, i.e. things to note or punch mark, etc.?
Thanks.
Pete
-------------------------------------
'67 1600 - frame off started in 2014. Now I know why roadster projects take so long. What a stupid idea.
'66 1600 - parts car
'66 WPL411 ***SOLD***
A couple of Porsches, a RAV4 Hybrid, and a motorcycle
-------------------------------------
'67 1600 - frame off started in 2014. Now I know why roadster projects take so long. What a stupid idea.
'66 1600 - parts car
'66 WPL411 ***SOLD***
A couple of Porsches, a RAV4 Hybrid, and a motorcycle
- Nissanman
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Re: steering box overhaul
Yes, a good idea to punch orientation marks in the relevant shafts and arms.
From memory, the splined shafts on my '65 SP310 were tapered and required very little effort from a pitman arm remover to dissemble.
Undoing those big mutha nuts might be a challenge if the boxes are no longer mounted to the chassis.
Mine were shot and I had an Auto Trans Workshop recondition the shafts and hone the bushes to suit.
From memory, the splined shafts on my '65 SP310 were tapered and required very little effort from a pitman arm remover to dissemble.
Undoing those big mutha nuts might be a challenge if the boxes are no longer mounted to the chassis.
Mine were shot and I had an Auto Trans Workshop recondition the shafts and hone the bushes to suit.
Nissanman, just trying to help.
1965 SP310 Engine No. G-93326 Car No. SP310-10817
https://photos.shutterfly.com/album/60141836519
On the road again!
1965 SP310 Engine No. G-93326 Car No. SP310-10817
https://photos.shutterfly.com/album/60141836519
On the road again!
- Mainer311
- Roadsteraholic
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Re: steering box overhaul
-A big bench vise comes in handy when removing the lower nuts.
-You don't really need to mark anything, but it can't hurt. The pitman splines have a larger spline every 90 degrees IIRC, meaning you can only put the arms on in 4 orientations
-The lower seal on the idler side is meant to be compressed at all times. You'll know what I mean once you see the seal. Since the idler side rides on a threaded shaft, the shaft will "ride" up and down ever so slightly as it rotates. You'll have to index the pitman arm on the idler shaft to get the proper compression on the seal. It's not hard to figure out.
-The worm has o-rings on both end plates, plus a small seal that the input shaft goes through. It's all very easy. Steering box lower seal is just a seal and not like the idler side. It doesn't need to be compressed. The top cover gasket is paper and one can be easily cut out of gasket material.
-When removing the steering shaft from the worm box, be careful that the roller ball does not fall out of the housing. If it does, the needle bearings could fall out, and it's a pain putting them back in.
-You don't really need to mark anything, but it can't hurt. The pitman splines have a larger spline every 90 degrees IIRC, meaning you can only put the arms on in 4 orientations
-The lower seal on the idler side is meant to be compressed at all times. You'll know what I mean once you see the seal. Since the idler side rides on a threaded shaft, the shaft will "ride" up and down ever so slightly as it rotates. You'll have to index the pitman arm on the idler shaft to get the proper compression on the seal. It's not hard to figure out.
-The worm has o-rings on both end plates, plus a small seal that the input shaft goes through. It's all very easy. Steering box lower seal is just a seal and not like the idler side. It doesn't need to be compressed. The top cover gasket is paper and one can be easily cut out of gasket material.
-When removing the steering shaft from the worm box, be careful that the roller ball does not fall out of the housing. If it does, the needle bearings could fall out, and it's a pain putting them back in.
Jordan
1968 SPL311-21773. Needs paint and some upholstery.
2012 Xterra Pro-4X, 4" lift on 34's, UCA's, pre-runner bumper. Member of the New England Xterra Off-road club.
1971 PL521, Dragon green. Stock L16 w/ 4 speed, lowered 3".
1968 SPL311-21773. Needs paint and some upholstery.
2012 Xterra Pro-4X, 4" lift on 34's, UCA's, pre-runner bumper. Member of the New England Xterra Off-road club.
1971 PL521, Dragon green. Stock L16 w/ 4 speed, lowered 3".
- ppeters914
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Re: steering box overhaul
Yup......that, and a 3/4-inch drive socket set!Mainer311 wrote:A big bench vise comes in handy when removing the lower nuts.
Hmmmm, I didn't notice this at first, but my more knowledgeable friend did. Mine looks like there's two rubber washers (only see one listed in the parts manuals) that are a little "loose" at the end of one rotation, and snug when rotated fully the other way. We decided not to pull the arm to replace those, but now you have me rethinking that.Mainer311 wrote:The lower seal on the idler side is meant to be compressed at all times. You'll know what I mean once you see the seal. Since the idler side rides on a threaded shaft, the shaft will "ride" up and down ever so slightly as it rotates. You'll have to index the pitman arm on the idler shaft to get the proper compression on the seal. It's not hard to figure out.
The space between the arm and the end of the idler housing may change, but there should be a seal in the bottom to keep the grease in, correct? Wonder if the two washers I'm seeing were added by a PO at some time.
So I discovered. The seals are still in the Nissan stock system, and cheap. I'll go to hydraulics store to match up the o-rings, and cut my own top gasket.Mainer311 wrote:The worm has o-rings on both end plates, plus a small seal that the input shaft goes through. It's all very easy. Steering box lower seal is just a seal and not like the idler side. It doesn't need to be compressed. The top cover gasket is paper and one can be easily cut out of gasket material.
Getting the arm off the steering box required heat and a press. In the process, we learned about the peg needle bearings......spent 30 minutes with magnets before finding them all. Interesting that Rallye says there's 38 (matches my count), Scheeler's Roadster Book says 40, and the Nissan manuals don't mention them at all. Regardless, can't wait to reinstall those.Mainer311 wrote:When removing the steering shaft from the worm box, be careful that the roller ball does not fall out of the housing. If it does, the needle bearings could fall out, and it's a pain putting them back in.
Pete
-------------------------------------
'67 1600 - frame off started in 2014. Now I know why roadster projects take so long. What a stupid idea.
'66 1600 - parts car
'66 WPL411 ***SOLD***
A couple of Porsches, a RAV4 Hybrid, and a motorcycle
-------------------------------------
'67 1600 - frame off started in 2014. Now I know why roadster projects take so long. What a stupid idea.
'66 1600 - parts car
'66 WPL411 ***SOLD***
A couple of Porsches, a RAV4 Hybrid, and a motorcycle
- mraitch
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Re: steering box overhaul
Yet another example of an answer to a question I never knew I needed to ask.
That's what makes this forum so fantastic.
Now, I know, if I ever get to that point, that there is a thread that I may look back at.
Thanks.
That's what makes this forum so fantastic.
Now, I know, if I ever get to that point, that there is a thread that I may look back at.
Thanks.
Peter Harrison
1970 1600 (Stroker) - TOAD SAN (Eliza)
1970 1600 (Stock) - As Yet Unnamed
Lake Balboa (SFV) , California
1970 1600 (Stroker) - TOAD SAN (Eliza)
1970 1600 (Stock) - As Yet Unnamed
Lake Balboa (SFV) , California
- Mainer311
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Re: steering box overhaul
Could have to take up space, but, if you thread the idler shaft in a little bit, you don't really need the washers. The top of the pitman arm should contact seal.The space between the arm and the end of the idler housing may change, but there should be a seal in the bottom to keep the grease in, correct? Wonder if the two washers I'm seeing were added by a PO at some time.
I had 38 needle bearings as well. 19 on top, spacer, and 19 on the bottom.
Jordan
1968 SPL311-21773. Needs paint and some upholstery.
2012 Xterra Pro-4X, 4" lift on 34's, UCA's, pre-runner bumper. Member of the New England Xterra Off-road club.
1971 PL521, Dragon green. Stock L16 w/ 4 speed, lowered 3".
1968 SPL311-21773. Needs paint and some upholstery.
2012 Xterra Pro-4X, 4" lift on 34's, UCA's, pre-runner bumper. Member of the New England Xterra Off-road club.
1971 PL521, Dragon green. Stock L16 w/ 4 speed, lowered 3".
- S Allen
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Re: steering box overhaul
Will add this to the wiki. Thanks to all.
S
S
66 Stroker-Going Orange
67 SRL311-00279-resto project
Stock '72 240Z-Blue
2002 Ford F250 7.3 Diesel 2WD Hauler
2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser
2009 Smart ForTwo Passion Coupe
2013 Fiat 500 Abarth
67 SRL311-00279-resto project
Stock '72 240Z-Blue
2002 Ford F250 7.3 Diesel 2WD Hauler
2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser
2009 Smart ForTwo Passion Coupe
2013 Fiat 500 Abarth
- msampsel
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Re: steering box overhaul
Suggest adding a paragraph or sentence about using wheel bearing grease and a wooden dowel toS Allen wrote:Will add this to the wiki. Thanks to all.
S
hold the needle bearings in place, in the unlikely event they drop out inadvertently.
67 1600 (Mods only a mother could love)
78 911 SC Targa (Severe Oversteer but still loved)
78 911 SC Targa (Severe Oversteer but still loved)
- Linda
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Re: steering box overhaul
Would be nice to see a few pics or a video if someone is doing a rebuild.
Linda
Linda
Sadly-Linda has passed away 2022. She was the 311's den mother and drove the first Rare-Parts ball joint project. RIP.
- peter
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Re: steering box overhaul
I'm busy to rebuild my steering box with new bearings and new oil seals. It's an early type.
The oils seals I found replacements for in the tech wiki, but are there for the NSK BT18-2 bearings also replacements?
The oils seals I found replacements for in the tech wiki, but are there for the NSK BT18-2 bearings also replacements?
Horsepower is how hard you hit the wall,torque is how far you take the wall with you.
Datsun Roadster '66 #7000 Sora Blue, restored 220 Hp and 340 Nm
Datsun Roadster '66 #7000 Sora Blue, restored 220 Hp and 340 Nm
- ppeters914
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Re: steering box overhaul
Geez....has it really been two years?
Finally back to this. I have 1/64-inch gasket material. Think that's thick enough?
Pete
-------------------------------------
'67 1600 - frame off started in 2014. Now I know why roadster projects take so long. What a stupid idea.
'66 1600 - parts car
'66 WPL411 ***SOLD***
A couple of Porsches, a RAV4 Hybrid, and a motorcycle
-------------------------------------
'67 1600 - frame off started in 2014. Now I know why roadster projects take so long. What a stupid idea.
'66 1600 - parts car
'66 WPL411 ***SOLD***
A couple of Porsches, a RAV4 Hybrid, and a motorcycle
- Lorna c
- Site Supporter
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- Joined: Sat Aug 20, 2016 12:47 am
- Location: central coast , ,ca
Re: steering box overhaul
ppeters914 wrote: ↑Fri May 17, 2019 7:08 pmGeez....has it really been two years?
Haha that's why I don't stop .
"Is it me, or does everyone want to race ?"
late 68 1600 3 main motor .
- ppeters914
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- Posts: 3077
- Joined: Mon Jun 28, 2004 5:51 pm
- Location: Lake Forest Park, WA (just north of Seattle)
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- Year: Low Windshield-64-67.5
Re: steering box overhaul
Today I learned that you can put the worm shaft in backwards. Yup, it's true. The bearings and cover bolt patterns are identical making it easy if one isn't paying attention.
Notice the taped up shaft on the right? Should be on the left. Luckily, there's just barely enough slack to lift the peg out after removing the top cover. Really wasn't looking forward to pulling the steering arm off. Still have to wait another day for the paint that covers my repairs to dry before installing.
Anyway, triple-check before you button it up.
Hey, Steve, might want to add this to the TechWiki.
Cheers.
Notice the taped up shaft on the right? Should be on the left. Luckily, there's just barely enough slack to lift the peg out after removing the top cover. Really wasn't looking forward to pulling the steering arm off. Still have to wait another day for the paint that covers my repairs to dry before installing.
Anyway, triple-check before you button it up.
Hey, Steve, might want to add this to the TechWiki.
Cheers.
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Pete
-------------------------------------
'67 1600 - frame off started in 2014. Now I know why roadster projects take so long. What a stupid idea.
'66 1600 - parts car
'66 WPL411 ***SOLD***
A couple of Porsches, a RAV4 Hybrid, and a motorcycle
-------------------------------------
'67 1600 - frame off started in 2014. Now I know why roadster projects take so long. What a stupid idea.
'66 1600 - parts car
'66 WPL411 ***SOLD***
A couple of Porsches, a RAV4 Hybrid, and a motorcycle
- Nissanman
- Roadster Fanatic-Site Supporter
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- Joined: Mon Apr 16, 2007 8:07 pm
- Location: Adelaide, South Australia
- Model: 1500/1600
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- Contact:
Re: steering box overhaul
Makes a RHD version a piece of kayak doesn't it???
Nissanman, just trying to help.
1965 SP310 Engine No. G-93326 Car No. SP310-10817
https://photos.shutterfly.com/album/60141836519
On the road again!
1965 SP310 Engine No. G-93326 Car No. SP310-10817
https://photos.shutterfly.com/album/60141836519
On the road again!
- S Allen
- Site Admin
- Posts: 4546
- Joined: Thu Dec 05, 2002 4:57 pm
- Location: Knoxville, IA(Lake Redrock)Emory, TX
- Model: 1500/1600
- Year: Low Windshield-64-67.5
- Contact:
Re: steering box overhaul
Guess I never added it the first time. I will glean the info and add it today. Thanks.
Steve
Steve
66 Stroker-Going Orange
67 SRL311-00279-resto project
Stock '72 240Z-Blue
2002 Ford F250 7.3 Diesel 2WD Hauler
2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser
2009 Smart ForTwo Passion Coupe
2013 Fiat 500 Abarth
67 SRL311-00279-resto project
Stock '72 240Z-Blue
2002 Ford F250 7.3 Diesel 2WD Hauler
2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser
2009 Smart ForTwo Passion Coupe
2013 Fiat 500 Abarth