Green Monster
1/2 ton status
Seems I cross- threaded one of the bolts that goes into the steering box. What do you think.....say screw it and run it all the way in, or fix it? If you say fix it, please tell me how! Thanks.
CK5
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Little problem with steering gear box
- Thread starter Green Monster
- Start date
- Joined
- Jan 23, 2016
- Posts
- 244
- Reaction score
- 166
Fix it.
1, run a tap through it if threads are salvageable. If no meat left there,
2, buy a heli-coil kit from parts store and repair the hole.
Don't ruin your box and bolt when you can fix it right
1, run a tap through it if threads are salvageable. If no meat left there,
2, buy a heli-coil kit from parts store and repair the hole.
Don't ruin your box and bolt when you can fix it right
Kain
3/4 ton status
^^THIS!!!^^
Green Monster
1/2 ton status
Thanks guys. Didn't run it in too much, so I'll get a tap set tomorrow and fix it. Much appreciated!
superbuickguy
1/2 ton status
tap for sure, if you try to run it in the odds are it'll break the tab off completely and the only fix for that is a new box. Do remember, with just a bit of work you can run the tap in from the back-side of the box - then less chance of fubaring the rest of the threads. Even better use a thread-cleaning tap.
Green Monster
1/2 ton status
Cool, thanks.....I'll try that. Off to Harbor Freight for a tap set tomorrow.
If the tap doesn't work, forget the coil, see if you can get a longer bolt and run a nut on the other side. I have a couple nuts on mine plus threads in the box. Double tight 
Green Monster
1/2 ton status
Good idea, so I'd have to get a smaller bolt to bypass the threads, right? But longer with a nut on the other end? Otherwise I'd have to drill out all the threads, and just slide the bolt in. This is probably what you mean.If the tap doesn't work, forget the coil, see if you can get a longer bolt and run a nut on the other side. I have a couple nuts on mine plus threads in the box. Double tight
yes, drill out threads
but you can only get a nut on the back side with some of the holes, maybe 2 if I remember
but you can only get a nut on the back side with some of the holes, maybe 2 if I remember
superbuickguy
1/2 ton status
I think you're right - I think you have to either cut a hole in a cross member or take the radiator out... but it's the bottom ones that are usually the issue so I think a pair of nuts will work well for him.
Green Monster
1/2 ton status
Great, thanks. Everything is out, so it should be easy.
Green Monster
1/2 ton status
Success! Got 'er fixed and installed. Now for another problem. Have PS fluid leaking out of the tops of the fittings. Cranked both down, but still have some leaking from the return line fitting. There isn't some rubber or plastic piece that goes inside that I may be missing, right? Should I just crank it down again? I don't want to strip anything.
81 up have an O ring, earlier have a flare seat.
Green Monster
1/2 ton status
That may be my problem. Lines are for a 76, box is from an 82. So think I need to get new lines? Also, will the steering shaft compress so I can get it on the coupler? Thanks for your help.
I think you have to loosen the box or the column to get slack.
Green Monster
1/2 ton status
Then the column it is.....took me two days to get the dang box on, fighting the weld-on and bolt on braces. Holes weren't lined up. What do you think about the lines? New ones for an 82 box?
superbuickguy
1/2 ton status
suspect you're missing o-rings. If so, yes, new line (return line should be fine) you'll also need the insert for the power steering pump unless you have custom lines made
Green Monster
1/2 ton status
Thanks. The return line is the one leaking the most, so I'll just get both. What do you mean by "insert for the power steering pump"? Like another o-ring?
Green Monster
1/2 ton status
Also, how do I loosen the column? Just the c-clamp bolt, or is it more involved? Thanks.
superbuickguy
1/2 ton status
the power steering pump has an adapter that is screwed into the back of the pump. They come in 2 styles, the second being an o-ring style when you're mixing and matching parts, you need to be sure the adapter in the back of the pump matches the steering box... because you plan on changing hoses to the later style, you'll need to change that adapter to the later style.
