TYPE 1 STEERING BOX REBUILD

Here is an early (pre 60) type 1 steering box. This one is in great shape....so it did not require any new parts. And to be honest, I'm not sure where you could get replacment parts. This one is getting the detail treatment, it has already been disassembled, blasted, and painted. A little different than the later style...but pretty much the same thing.

Here is the exploded view...all in all, a pretty simple device. 

 You'll need 2 different seals for the input and output shafts. Here are the sizes you'll need: 

 The first step is to install your seals. Be careful not to roll the edges. 

 This is the most critical part of assembling the steering box. Reference the first picture for the exploded view. Install the pinion into the steering box...there should be a bearing already pressed into the steering box housing. Slide the pinion into it. Then install the other bearing over the shaft, and tap it into place with a punch. Finally slide the retainer over the shaft and install the pinch bolt. I like to put a little silicone on the retainer to prevent any oil leaks. The retainer is spiral cut like a link pin so that it can tighten the bearings together, and set them just right....Not too loose, and not too tight. It'll probably take you a few adjustments to get it just right. The shaft should spin as easily as possible. 

Drop the output shaft onto the pinion, be sure to intall the brass "comb" under it. I like to use some molly greese as I'm assembling moving parts. 

 Here is the adjuster screw spring and button head. 

 Now you can install the cover...Hopefully your old gasket was in good enough shape to reuse. If not you'll have to cut a new one. After the cover is tightened down, you can install the adjustment screw and and adjust your steering box. The idea here is to tighten it enough so that you'll feel a tight spot in the middle of the steering range. Back it off little by little, until you can't feel the tight spot anymore. You want it tight enough to be loose...know what I mean? 

 Filler er' up with some gear oil. Leave a little air in the top for good measure. You could also pack it with greese before you put the cover on, if thats more your style. I like gear oil because it allows the box to move more freely. 

Done! 

 Because this steering box has thick paint on it, and the beam has think paint on it, I anticipate horn grounding problems...Now is a good time to remove some paint from the mounting area to allow it to ground to the chassis.

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KUSTOM COACH WERKS