ConcoursMustang Forums
Restoring - General discussions that span across many different groups of years and models => Suspension => Topic started by: 67350#1242 on November 01, 2017, 01:35:36 PM
-
Has anyone replaced the free floating ball bearings in their steering box? Am looking for info on the size and possible source(s) for these bearings.
Thanks for any info,
Kurt.
-
I recall seeing the diameter somewhere, probably in VMF assuming you searched here and did not find. If my memory is good the conclusion was that it is not readily available in the size and the best source was from the donor ranks. There are a lot of donors out there so you might want to post a wanted ad with quantity needed.
-
I went over and found the information posted, which is attributed to Chockostang: There are 62 balls with a 0.230" diameter. There were quite a few posts looking for a place to purchase them but there were no answers...other than donors.
-
Thanks for the reply - I read same VMF thread. Too bad its an odd size.
I was preplanning a box rebuild and am not sure I will need new brgs but wanted to be prepared in case. The box is still in car and seems to work OK just a little loose and leaky lower seal. Hope I will not need any brgs.
Kurt.
-
Step #1 don't lose any ;) No need to ask me how I know. Funny how they end up rolling into the hardest to find places.
-
Any of the mustang parts places sell a steering box rebuild kit which comes with the ball bearings, needle bearings and seals. I've used the kit maybe 5-10 times with no issues.
NOS bearings can be found, but will be a bit of work to hunt down and will end up being about 3-4X the cost of the repro parts.
-
http://www.precisionballs.com/catalog/advanced_search_result.php?keywords=0.230+chrome+steel&x=0&y=0
Bought chrome steel balls from here.Got enough for two boxes and sent the extras to Dan (Chock).Box has not been installed as of yet. Search VMF.You will find more info.
WGM
-
Back when rebuild kits were not so easily sourced parts maybe 25 ,30 years ago we had to improvise. The bearings you could find but the ball bearings were harder to find. We would take all of the balls out ,clean and after inspecting the ball bearings for cracks abrasions etc. put all the good ones back. Any damaged balls were replaced using a donor box for parts. We would typically have to add balls to the total count to compensate for wear and tighten clearances up.
-
http://www.precisionballs.com/catalog/advanced_search_result.php?keywords=0.230+chrome+steel&x=0&y=0
Bought chrome steel balls from here.Got enough for two boxes and sent the extras to Dan (Chock).Box has not been installed as of yet. Search VMF.You will find more info.
WGM
I see the sizes are all slightly over 0.230". It would make sense to use slightly oversize to tighten slightly worn box, but how much oversize without binding? Do you have any recollection of exact size you used, and if you noted any binding, etc.? I also presume chrome steel means the chrome is added to the steel and not plated.
Thanks for the info and link,
Kurt.
-
I see the sizes are all slightly over 0.230". It would make sense to use slightly oversize to tighten slightly worn box, but how much oversize without binding? Do you have any recollection of exact size you used, and if you noted any binding, etc.? I also presume chrome steel means the chrome is added to the steel and not plated.
Thanks for the info and link,
Kurt.
I asked Dan the same question. His reply was as close to .230 as possible. Didn't discuss oversize to account for wear.
Not chrome plated as you presumed.No binding.Nice guy. Wouldn't be afraid to call him for guidance.
WGM
-
A seller on Ebay has 0.230 recirculating steel balls if any one is interested.
Kurt.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/64-70-NEW-Mustang-Manual-Power-Steering-Box-Recirculating-Balls-230-Bearing/143675761339?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649
-
Kurt, Thanks for taking the time to post that. Greg Springer Seattle
-
Greg, I assume you have or will be buying some of these. Would you let us know how they work out?
I bought some from here last spring (before I saw the Ebay ad) and was planning to do mine this winter:
https://www.precisionballs.com/catalog/advanced_search_result.php?keywords=0.23+chrome&osCsid=7d1bdef7583a7ceb751f3108773c15f7&x=0&y=0
The 0.23006 is very slightly oversize but only .025% which I hope will work without binding - we shall see.
-
I was a Ford dealership steering specialist back in the seventies and 80s at a few Ford dealers. I rebuilt tons of Ford steering boxes, power steering pumps, rack and pinions, and lots of tilt steering columns in the 80s, The Thunderbird Lincoln Continental tilt column assembly is identical to the 70 Mustang lt was kind of handy when I had to rebuild my tilt column for my70 Boss last year.I took my Boss steering box apart and cleaned everything up perfectly measured all 62 balls with a micrometer and they were all perfect size with no damage, so i won't be needing to buy any. I would be real careful about putting oversized balls in that steering box the possibility of binding and how would you determine how much wear is really in there I know it's not much but it's just food for thought.Thanks, Greg Springer Seattle
-
When I counted the needle bearings I found 37 top and 37 bottom.
On assembly it's just like putting needle bearings in a transmission!
-
I may have some. CALL
Dan