Found a steering box shop

[my kids took the truck]

Recently I had my steering box rebuilt. After a few longer weekend trips I can say this box seems good. Driving is fun again.

Awhile back I posted a thread asking for rebuild shops. I was told to stay away from the mass rebuilds from the corner parts store. The suggested shops were out of state. I wanted to find someone nearby.

Straight Line Steering
1802 Smith Ave, San Jose, CA 95112
http://www.straightlinesteering.com

The employees were good people and the owner answers email. The guy at the counter gave me the idea of soap water and plastic bags to turn my wheels in my apartment parking.

 

[4X4HIGH]

Recently I had my steering box rebuilt. After a few longer weekend trips I can say this box seems good. Driving is fun again.

Awhile back I posted a thread asking for rebuild shops. I was told to stay away from the mass rebuilds from the corner parts store. The suggested shops were out of state. I wanted to find someone nearby.

Straight Line Steering
1802 Smith Ave, San Jose, CA 95112
http://www.straightlinesteering.com

The employees were good people and the owner answers email. The guy at the counter gave me the idea of soap water and plastic bags to turn my wheels in my apartment parking.

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So what did they do and what did they charge to do it?

 

[my kids took the truck]

So what did they do and what did they charge to do it?

They said no parts were replaced -- it was just bearings and seals. The cost was around $320

 

[4X4HIGH]

They said no parts were replaced -- it was just bearings and seals. The cost was around $300.

Well I'm glad I build my own then, there is no way I'd pay $300 to have a bearing and some seals replaced. The bearing and seal kit is only $35 the last one I built.

 

[my kids took the truck]

The bearing and seal kit is only $35 the last one I built.

How much were your tools?

Edit: Even a mass produced Cardone is $100

Edit2: I also didn't have to learn or break anything while I figured out what I was doing. I'd have spent an afternoon just watching videos over and over trying to figure out how to adjust the box just right -- that is worth at least another $100 right there.

 

[TreeFarm]

$20 spanner wrench or make your own, Snap ring pliers, a small magnet, and basic hand tools is all it takes. Watch a YouTube video for the how too. It takes a longer to get the box out and in than it does to rebuild it.

No need to adjust anything if you don’t want too. Just take it apart. Replace bearings and seals, then reassemble it

 

[my kids took the truck]

$20 spanner wrench, Snap ring pliers, a small magnet, and basic hand tools

Spanner wrench is where I would have gone wrong. I had to Google it. I'd thought those were for angle grinders. My snap ring pliers are a four hour drive away. I hate buying duplicate tools when I leave them at the house.

All good advice for when this box is ready for a rebuild in another 45 years.

It was actually the work bench that decided not giving it a try myself. I watched a few videos. It looked messy. My box also needed adjustment. I live in an apartment (no auto work allowed). I already was pretending I wasn't
changing a steering box in my parking space between a Porsche SUV and a BMW.

 

[skunked]

They said no parts were replaced -- it was just bearings and seals. The cost was around $320

wow, that's pricey.

 

[my kids took the truck]

wow, that's pricey.

Edit: If there is volume of CK5 work, maybe that would get them to do the work for less.

My first quote was $290, I honestly don't know how we ended up at a 10% bump but I wasn't going to argue over $30, labor does not have tax; so no parts means no tax right.

Plus I dropped the box off Wednesday and they had it done by Friday. Their original turnaround was a full week. I was back on the road Saturday for a weekend trip.

 

[skunked]

I guess they won't be getting much CK5 walkin traffic.

Maybe someone can get them to do the work for less next time.

My first quote was $290, I honestly don't know how we ended up at a 10% bump but I wasn't going to argue over $30.

Plus I dropped the box off Wednesday and they had it done by Friday. Their original turnaround was a full week. I was back on the road Saturday for a weekend trip.

that is a quick turnaround, they have that going for them. I had a full rebuild done through West Texas Offroad, took about 3 weeks and it was $230 IIRC.

 

[obijuank5]

It's not bad. You have to inspect the parts to know if they need replacement. It's a 2 hour gig at minimum to clean disassemble, inspect, then rebuild it and paint it. That's really not bad. I have rebuilt boxes for people at the 110 per hour rate. I start the clock and whatever it takes usually ends up about 2.5 hours plus parts.

 

[JOES89K5]

Hey That is not bad. I have been thru different big box auto store boxes and their junk. I looked at one which the store brought in and the box just had black paint sprayed over clumped dirt. I wouldn’t mind rebuilding the box if I had a spare and the time to do it. But can’t get those two things together. If this place is good at what they do I will send mine out. It’s hard to find someone who knows the job and furthermore likes the work they do.

 

[onetonbb74]

Scott, 4x4high built mine, been solid ever since. Probably 8 years ago these days...even had him drill and tap for hydro assist.