Another 7 tooth Steering Question

[rotorwrench]

Most all steering gears are rated for condition by the play in the steering wheel. If turning play is minimal then it likely won't need an overhaul. There are few gaskets on this type. Worn sector gear bushings can cause leakage there where the shaft exits the case. Look to see where the leak is coming from and you will know where to do some work to seal it better. The 7-tooth is less complicated than the 2-tooth but it is not more simple to overhaul. Putting the spark and throttle rods back in is easier if you pull the top bushing but those can be a PITA to replace. Most old original zinc bushings tend to weld themselves in there. The reproduction aluminum ones are better but still pretty tight.

[psimet]

Originally Posted by rotorwrench

Most all steering gears are rated for condition by the play in the steering wheel. If turning play is minimal then it likely won't need an overhaul. There are few gaskets on this type. Worn sector gear bushings can cause leakage there where the shaft exits the case. Look to see where the leak is coming from and you will know where to do some work to seal it better. The 7-tooth is less complicated than the 2-tooth but it is not more simple to overhaul. Putting the spark and throttle rods back in is easier if you pull the top bushing but those can be a PITA to replace. Most old original zinc bushings tend to weld themselves in there. The reproduction aluminum ones are better but still pretty tight.

This bushing is original. I started dropping oil on the control rods at the bushing every day for a few months before they finally freed up enough to run the car a few years ago but it’s ring for it to come out and be replaced. This one has the screws in the sides holding it in but I do have a slide hammer and a lot of blind hole bearing collets so I’m sure I can find something that will work.

Can’t tell where the leak is coming from because it’s been empty for a while but the light switch housing at the bottom has had oil dripping out of it since I first filled the steering box.

There’s so much caked on grease and dirt that I want to remove the column to clean and paint it all anyway.