Robert Smith Posted June 2, 2015 Report Posted June 2, 2015 So, since owning my 1940 Dodge Luxury Liner Deluxe, the steering wheel has had some play. It's now about a quarter turn of slop in that wheel and I had a good mechanic look at it and tell me my steering box can't be adjusted any further. So, I see Andy Burnbaum has a rebuild kit for the steering box and I'm curious if anyone else has had good luck with that kit. if it's not worth the money for the kit, then would anyone have a good solution to suggest to fix it properly? It's gotten to the point that if I hit a bump just so, the front wheels shimmy and the wheel vibrates. So, when that happens, I slow down and then it stops. Thanks in advance for any advice! 2 Quote
Andydodge Posted June 2, 2015 Report Posted June 2, 2015 The rebuild kit should just contain the bearings, bushes and seals which would help but until you pull the box apart you can't be certain......I've seen a few pitman shafts that have the rollers attached listed on ebay in the USA but can't recall any worms so hopefully that maybe o/k but if your mechanic reckons its R/S then it is probably pull apart time......check with AB wether he has the worm and/or rollers available.......andyd Quote
martybose Posted June 2, 2015 Report Posted June 2, 2015 My steering box is on its way to Midwest Remanufacturing to be rebuilt. They are the only people I've found that have all of the internal parts, as they have the gears made for them in India. I'll be reporting the results when I get it back towrds the end of June. Marty Quote
desoto1939 Posted June 2, 2015 Report Posted June 2, 2015 If you wheels are shaking after you hit a bump in the road I would think it is more that the steering box. I would check the tie rods ends for play, the kingpins to see if they are worn out and need replacement also the upper and lower control arms and also the eccentric bushing and all bushings and also the sway bar control links. The steering box kit would have the items to repairs the cone and roller and the seals but you also might need the sector and also a pitman arm. The steering worm gear that meshes with the sector could also need to be looked at. So just to say a rebuild of the steering box could not just be the entire solution. How is the wear on your tires. When going down the road does the car pull is there uneven wear on the tires. So there is a lot to look at with a front suspension. The large upper control arm might be worn out. Also check to see that the steering box bolts that go through the frame tight. How about the rubber gasket that mounts to the frame and the steering box. Is this still there or is it gone. Just some things to look at on the front end. I have some cross refence catalogs that might help contact me Rich Hartung Desoto1939@aol.com Quote
plymouthcranbrook Posted June 3, 2015 Report Posted June 3, 2015 (edited) How about these folks. They post a lot on the AACA site and from what I read several members have used their service. Don't know about cost. I looked and they have several 1940 Dodge parts available. They are a Steering parts suppler and claim to be able to supply most parts for all cars. http://www.larescorp.com/ Edited June 3, 2015 by plymouthcranbrook Quote
Tommy Posted June 3, 2015 Report Posted June 3, 2015 How about these folks. They post a lot on the AACA site and from what I read several members have used their service. Don't know about cost. I looked and they have several 1940 Dodge parts available. They are a Steering parts suppler and claim to be able to supply most parts for all cars. http://www.larescorp.com/ Rock Auto uses Lares for this service. $369, IIRC. Quote
austinsailor Posted June 11, 2015 Report Posted June 11, 2015 I have some new sector gears. No worm, but they should be around. message me if I can help. Gene Quote
Bmartin Posted June 11, 2015 Report Posted June 11, 2015 I just had my 1940 Plymouth box rebuilt by a local shop. They said they were able to get all the play out of it, but only got to about 90% on feel. The worm and roller had rust and pitting that was not able to be completely polished out. So I may have a rough feel. My car is in pieces so it will be a while before I can comment. They used a combination of parts from the Bernbaum rebuild kit and their own. They were not able to locate a worm or roller from their suppliers, but they didn't ask me either. I could have made some calls. Although it would have cost me more and I don't mind a little rough feel in the steering. I doubt I'll even notice. They are highly recommended but I think I paid about double what I should have. $$$ Quote
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