Thread: Steering Box ... FRUSTRATIONS !!!

I have no idea what's inside your steering box, but would a liberal application of Vaseline retain the ball bearings long enough to get it back together.

I remember doing one of those years ago probably in the late 70's and I still reckon this is one of the worst jobs. I feel your pain, perseverance and grease from memory.



Erich

Craig,

Hello again from Brisbane - got back from Indonesia this morning.

I haven't had the pleasure of taking on this particular task, but gather from other's experience that it is a regular source of frustration.

You may not be aware of the post "Balls" by Gerokent in the Series 2 and 2A section back on 16th December last on this same issue that seemed to parallel your own experience.

My understanding is that he eventually got it sorted - you might follow it up and send him a pm.

The general suggestion is to use plenty of grease to hold the balls in place plus keep a cool head.

Cheers,

Neil

I've done a couple.... first one is the hardest. Grease or Vaseline is your friend. I also found an extra pair of hands helpful at times....

Thanks guys I will tackle it again once I have calmed down ... :-) .. I have realised the roller bearing at the top of the steering rod, below the steering wheel is a very very tight fit and might need some persuasion to seat it between the column and steering rod ?

Originally Posted by Themadmob

Thanks guys I will tackle it again once I have calmed down ... :-) .. I have realised the roller bearing at the top of the steering rod, below the steering wheel is a very very tight fit and might need some persuasion to seat it between the column and steering rod ?

Be REALLLLLLY careful when you "some persuasion" on that bearing... I busted a brand new one trying to fit it. They are pretty fragile considering what they are. I did remember sitting and figuring out how best do it, but can't remember off the top of my head.

Originally Posted by Themadmob

I have realised the roller bearing at the top of the steering rod, below the steering wheel is a very very tight fit and might need some persuasion to seat it between the column and steering rod ?

Craig,

From all accounts that I have come across, after fitting the ball bearings in the steering box, installing the upper bearing comes a close second on the frustration index.

Tales of woe about breaking these things when trying force to fit them abound I am afraid. Apparently, there is a knack for getting it right, but unfortunately I have mislaid the relevant hints.....

Hopefully, another kindly soul will come to the rescue on how to effect the replacement in a grief-free manner. Otherwise, I will try to track down my notes.

Cheers,

Neil

Craig,

Hello again - Google "replace upper steering column bearing Series 3 Land Rover" and you will discover that you are not alone............ Plus a lot of tips on how to proceed.

Assuming you still have the column out from your steering box rebuild, one piece of advice (seems to make sense) is to hold it upside down and retrieve the old bearing from below, especially if you have to destroy the old part removing it - any fragments etc will fall out rather than down between the steering rod and the tube and potentially foul up your box mechanism later on.

Inserting the upper bearing from below might be easier, especially if you gently tap it into place if it doesn't simply push up into the column. Again, just be careful not to break the new part with excessive force.

Keen to know how you get on, as I am only a couple of steps behind you in the same process.

Cheers,

Neil