Worn steering box on '46 sedan

[ole_Bill]

How big a deal is it to replace a worn out steering box on my '46? Where do I get a replacement? Can they be rebuilt and if so, by whom?

[rich b]

Lares Corp.

[Old Henry]

Just in case you haven't tried adjusting the play out of the steering here's how. Worked surprisingly well for me.

[ole_Bill]

Tried that, didn't do much to remove the slop in steering wheel.

[Mart]

If you rock the steering wheel gently from side to side while observing where the wheel meets the mast, can you see the wheel moving in and out as it rocks? If it does, then you might need to reshim at the bottom end.

It could, of course be totally worn out and in need of rebuild or replacement.

Mart.

[JM 35 Sedan]

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They are not too difficult to rebuild yourself. The most difficult part would be replacing the worm gear on steering shaft IF that is necessary. I have a copy of a good magazine article that tells how to rebuild a '37 to '48 steering gear box. I can send you a copy if you pm your email address to me. Two of my friends were not very happy with the rebuild job done on their steering boxes by Lares Corp.
There are members posting here who can rebuild that steering for you and they do excellent work. If they are interested, they may contact you.

[G.M.]

Originally Posted by ole_Bill

How big a deal is it to replace a worn out steering box on my '46? Where do I get a replacement? Can they be rebuilt and if so, by whom?

Bill don't be in to big of a hurry to rebuild things that may not need it. I bought a 40 coupe about 25 years ago. The steering wheel had about 3/4 of a turn of play, almost unbelievable. I had the front wheels on the ground and had someone turn the wheel from one end off the sloop range to the other while I was underneath watching. I had to repeat this a number of times after fixing the most noticeable problems first. It turned out the steering wheel was loose, box to bracket loose, bracket to frame loose, one loose tie rod end, wheel bearings loose and perch bolts in the axle. Loose perch bolts can be identified by a rust ring on the top of the axle where the perch bolt enters. These may need heat to tighten. After everything tightened and the box adjusted it was perfect. G.M.