Steering rebuild recommendation

[Olddaddy]

I just had my original steering box for my 50 Plymouth rebuilt by Harry's Steering Gear out of Fraser, Michigan, 586-296-2920, ask for Sam. This is the third Mopar steering box they've done for me and their work is extremely good, and prices are reasonable. My current box cost $225 plus shipping. I've paid as much as $275 on other boxes, but it was worth every penny, every time. These are good folks and I recommend them, and tell them Charlie sent you.

[RobertKB]

Just curious and have a few questions. Do they basically replace everything inside the steering box and adjust it also? When you ship them your steering box do you ship the long tube inside the steering column as well? I don't see how that could be added later as it is part of the worm and sector. How did you ship it to them? I really need a rebuild on the steering box on my '53 Plymouth and the prices you mentioned are pretty reasonably as just parts alone can be expensive. Any information appreciated and thanks for posting.

[Olddaddy]

They replace or rebuild all the internals, set it up and adjust. I ship via DHL and yes the long steering column is attached as it is one piece with the box. I think you will be pleased with there work.

[greg g]

Hey Charlie, why not list them in the services area of the forums main page.

[grey beard]

I guess anything is possible, but in my lifetime I have never come across a manual steering box that needed anything inside other than bearings and bushings. I realize that worm and sector mating surfaces can and do wear, but I have just never come onto one that I could not rebuild and adjust to be happy again.

What some folks don't realize is that sector shafts have a high spot in the middle - when the box is off center, there will be play, even in a brand splinter new box. The mesh adjustmen can only be made at the centermost position. AND this adjustment is completely meaningless if there is end play in the worm gear - in our case the gear on the steering column shaft. This end play must first be adjusted with shims at one end, or the mesh adjustment between the two gears is just a waste of time. If you have worn bearings, they all have numbers, and NAPA or Bearings INC. can fix you up. If you need brass bushings or sleeves, most machine shops cn do this work for you. JMHO:)

[James_Douglas]

Take a look here:

http://www.imperialclub.com/Repair/Lit/Master/028/index.htm

[Guest Dodge Joe]

I sent my steering to steer and gear to be rebuilt. IT came back with the steering shaft cut off and welded a new shaft on.? They welded also the horn wire hole shut. The steering wheel nut would only turn about two turns before tighing. I did sent it back to be repaired., But it came back with the horn hole still welded shut. Got the steering back on,..... Thinking should I drive this truck?

Joe

[Plymouthy Adams]

Wow..this does not sound like a very professional shop..did they state the reason for the welding of the shaft..sounds like they took two and made one..the gears are part of the long shaft and would explain the graft but not the fact that the horn wire will no longer thread the hole...how far up the shaft is the weld? can a long bit (available to 18") be used to possibily clean the weld? I know it should not be your job to come behind their work. Second is the quality of the weld itself..do you trust this weld...is the weld a documented repair from them..ultimate responsibilty rest on you..documentation can make them responsible but at what cost to you, your family etc. These are question we must all face when making mods/repairs to vehicles. More than not the weld is secure and you have only the inconvience of not being able to use your stock horn button...I would not be happy paying for this service and have a unit rendered out-of-stock specs and application.

When you returned this unit..did you point out the horn wire problem? Else they may not really be aware of the need to have the hole unobstructed...

[greg g]

Welded steering column!!!! Wasn't that also known as Ayrton Senna syndrom???

[Guest Dodge Joe]

Well you guys have got me nervis. I thought I was sending it to a pro. shop. I payed for it before I received it back. Now I going to call them to find what recourse I have if any. I'm going to get another steering assembly and have it rebuilt by Harry's.

Joe

Humpty Dumpty was pushed.

[Guest Dodge Joe]

Sent my steering that was rebuilt off the Harry's Steering. They called me to said that my steering was a nightmare......That it would require a rebuild. They said that the people that rebuilt it did bad job. Have tryed to e-mail Steer and Grear ,but they don't return my mail. You just never know about some of these vendors. I had a business and if someone was not happy with the job we did ,we would make it right......Not the case. Wish I had found about Harry's sooner.......

[Guest Dodge Joe]

Take a look here:

http://www.imperialclub.com/Repair/Lit/Master/028/index.htm

Like that web site. The people I sent the steering to, should use it.

I recommend Harry's

[BobT-47P15]

There's a shop in Springfield, MO that rebuilds the boxes. Have their card somewhere. Don't know their cost, but I think they know their stuff.

[Tony_Urwin]

Before sending a steering box out for an expensive rebuild, check your service manual for the adjustment procedure. These boxes are very easy to adjust and it can make a huge difference. Taking out a shim or two can really help take the slop out.

If you do need a new box, Vintage Power Wagons sells a number of different NOS steering boxes. I don't know if any of their Power Wagon boxes are the same as P15-D24, but they charge around the $250-300 range for new ones.

[Lou Earle]

Also

I rebuilt the box on my 48 Dodge- Incredibly easy- only a couple of parts- the hardest part was getting the unit out.

If I ever do it again I will probably install some type of disconnect device to make the job easier in the future.

It is a very easy job

Lou