Finally started replacing my P6 steering box.

Wilfred Oldtimer

Wilfred Oldtimer

Active Member
Hi again,

I finally made a start to change my P6 steering box prior to get the nasty suspension crack fixed, this will be done in December probably.

I cleaned up the garage and created some space so my P6 won’t have to leave till the job is done. It’s normally stored in a much smaller garage with no illumination and electricity which is a perfect bedroom, but not for this job obviously.

I will try to make some kind of story and illustrate as much as I can, it may be interesting to follow and for me to alarm when ever I’m getting desperate and start to cry (joke).

I always like to store my tools and parts on top of the car so I won’t loose anything and it’s not in anyone’s way.

To be continued, and have a wonderful evening.

Wilfred

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Hi,

Made some good progress, I had to dismantle a lot to access all bolts but I succeeded. Next step is to remove both ball joints without damaging them :rolleyes: , not sure yet how to do this.
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By the way, I discovered that my new steering box is one from a V8 P6, non power steering. The dimensions look the same, but does this work?
I might have been to optimistic here :hmm:

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Yes. But it's lower geared. 4.5 turns lock to lock instead of 3.9 for the 4 cyl. I probably would have tried to source a 4cyl one.

The 4cyl also come in two different types which are interchangeable. One made by Adwest the other by Burrman. I've heard the Adwest one is generally better and lighter in operation. No personal experience on that one.

Actually a good reason to fit factory power steering rather than some electrical assist is that this brings the turns down to 3.25. Which gives the car a more modern feel.
 
I assume your replacement is reconditioned, or at least resealed? These have a nasty habit on not being oil tight.
 
That’s clear, thanks.
My concern was that it would not fit mechanically, now I just have to turn the steering wheel a bit more then I’m used to, which will make steering lighter I guess?

I will also do a check on the seals, thanks for warning
 
Wilfred Oldtimer said:
That’s clear, thanks.
My concern was that it would not fit mechanically, now I just have to turn the steering wheel a bit more then I’m used to, which will make steering lighter I guess?

I will also do a check on the seals, thanks for warning
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It's a lesson I learned first hand.... And they might only leak under real steering loads... And it's a PITA to do again....
 
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Morning,

It took three years of my life, but I managed to remove the old steering box :)

Once on the workbench I could clearly feel the amount of play and also the difficulty in turning the axle. There really is some damage inside, I will open the box later on to see what the actual damage is :hmm:

So, I’m sure the new one will make all the difference, can’t wait.

Have a great day,

Wilfred

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I had my power box reconditioned. Interestingly, it wasn't just seals and bearings. To get the clearances correct, they had to machine and then re-chrome the main shaft of the box. No wonder there are so few specialist who'll do this now.
 
How can I check the oil level and do a refill if needed on this V8 box?
There is only one bolt and a spring if I loosen it and not really a hole in which I can see anything :hmm:

Cheers,
Wilfred
 
Depending on which box you have you don't need to unscrew anything. That's the adjustment screw. It's a circular bung that just lifts (or more likely lever) out on top. I assume you simply fill it until it can take no more.
 
My old box has got two bolts, one to control the play, the other to refill.
My new box however has got only one with a spring underneath where I can only put a little bit oil in .
 
Try removing each of the bolts that secure the top plate one at a time, you could find that one of the resulting holes goes straight into the box. Alternatively, remove the top cover complete and fill with oil.
 
Wilfred Oldtimer said:
Once on the workbench I could clearly feel the amount of play and also the difficulty in turning the axle. There really is some damage inside, I will open the box later on to see what the actual damage is :hmm:
Click to expand...
When I rebuilt the steering box on Beryl the races on the work shaft were badly spalled (the surface had broken up). I reground the races on a setup on my lathe, I should’ve probably had them rehardened, but at the time wasn’t able to find a place. It’s been in for a good few years now and feels very good still. Hardest part was shimming the bearing cups as per the workshop manual.
 
Good morning,

I’m struggling with something, when I put back the “Lock stop bracket” in the original way one of the arms on the steering box get stuck against the adjustable bolt.

What’s the use of this bracket anyway, can I leave it out?

(I would like to call this thinking outside the box :cool:)

The dimensions of both boxes should be the same, so I don’t understand this to be honest :hmm:

Thanks,

Wilfred

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