Before you order a replacement steering box it is worth carrying out a few simple checks to avoid a part not seating properly.
Check the Mounting Holes for Wear
Check the Chassis mounting holes for wear. Worn or oval holes mean these will not fix securely to the Chassis mounting bracket. This will need to be sorted before a Steering Box can be ordered for replacement.
Look for Cracks in the Mounting Bracket
Hairline cracks in the welds of the steering box mounting bracket are easily overlooked but will cause the bracket to flex under load. This will place immediate pressure on any new steering box fitted.
Check the Thread Condition
Wind the mounting bolts out of their chassis holes and take a look at the threads. Have they been damaged in some way? Are they striped? If so, you will need to have them re-tapped to the correct size and pitch before you can order a suitable replacement steering box.
Inspect the Sector Shaft and Drop Arm
For the sector shaft check for any side play where it connects to the drop arm. Also check the drop arm splines for any wear or rounding. A worn drop arm can disguise the amount of steering problem that is actually caused by the steering box itself.
Confirm the Pitman Arm Spline Condition
Count the number of splines on the pitman arm and look for twisting or chipping. The number of splines and diameter of the shaft can vary between models, and it is best to check these before ordering a part. If you want a steering box, https://westernpowersteering.co.uk/steering-parts/box/ is a good place to start.
It’s worth taking 30 minutes to complete these checks before purchasing any part, in order to make the fitting as straightforward as possible.
