philipj Posted January 25, 2018 Share Posted January 25, 2018 Hello all, Is there much difficulty in removing the steering box on a 37-48 model provided you raise the front end? Thank you... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gary W Posted January 25, 2018 Share Posted January 25, 2018 It will help to have a friend help you navigate the twists and turns needed, but no. It's not very difficult Remove the steering wheel: 3 screws from the underside of the wheel will release the center button and the horn ring Remove the large nut to release the wheel from the shaft. Remove the spring for safe keeping Remove the two screws that secure the column to instrument panel bracket Remove the pedal plates from the floor Remove the horn contact wire from the column (under the hood) Under the car, remove the pitman arm from the steering box OR remove the pitman arm from the outer end of the steering connecting rod. Remove the three bolts that secure the steering box to the frame. With the car jacked up, one guy needs to guide the box down while someone inside the car carefully guides the column through the floorboard. I wrapped the column in towels on the way back in so it didn't get scratched and marred. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
philipj Posted January 25, 2018 Author Share Posted January 25, 2018 Excellent! I much appreciate the step by step process of removal... Thank you! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Daves1940Buick56S Posted August 5, 2018 Share Posted August 5, 2018 So I am bringing this one back for a followup question. Once the column/box assy are out of the car, how do you separate the two? Cheers, Dave Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gary W Posted August 5, 2018 Share Posted August 5, 2018 Hi Dave I never separated the two. I sent the assembly out to Lares for a complete rebuild, and it came back all in one piece the way I sent it out to them. Very happy with their workmanship. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DonMicheletti Posted August 5, 2018 Share Posted August 5, 2018 I am pretty sure the steering column tube and gearbox are pressed tightly together. While surely possible, seperation would be difficult. When i painted mine I just masked each part and painted them separately 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
philipj Posted August 9, 2018 Author Share Posted August 9, 2018 Hello Gary, Are you able to use thin oil without any leaks? Do you have a contact person there? Wrote to them in May and still await a reply... Maybe I should just ask you the cost of the rebuild, if you don't mind sharing that information... Thank you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spinneyhill Posted August 9, 2018 Share Posted August 9, 2018 Steering box oil = semi-fluid grease, normally. Flows slowly. I think known as NLGI 00. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gary W Posted August 10, 2018 Share Posted August 10, 2018 On 8/8/2018 at 8:30 PM, philipj said: Maybe I should just ask you the cost of the rebuild, if you don't mind sharing that information Not at all! The restoration cost $ 377.99 + $ 75.65 Shipping for a grand total of $ 453.64 I sent the entire column and gearbox as a unit, which meant I had to use a big box (I used a bicycle box) which jacked up the shipping cost. But, by shipping the entire unit, Lares also replaced the upper column bushing with a long life nylon bearing so when installing, you no longer use the spring and retainer. As far as lubrication, Lares uses their own blend and sends instructions not to touch anything. But their technician told me that you can use any good quality wheel bearing grease or 600W oil. Personally, in my Model "A" Fords I use Penrite Brand Steering Box Lube. It's a 1200W, EP, "non-leaking" lubricant that I've had very good luck with. I got it from Restoration Supply (Part # LUB009) I don't know if it is acceptable in the Buick, but I'm hoping the Buick won't be requiring any attention for a while. Hope it helps! Gary Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
philipj Posted August 10, 2018 Author Share Posted August 10, 2018 Great information Gary, Thank you very much for sharing it... 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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