Here's a link to the company rebuilding my steering box , feel free to add a comment, if you have used them or know someone that has.

http://www.nationalpowersteering.com.au/Home

 

So Blue, it is the Right Hand steering box they're doing - what you called the idler box?

The PS box and the left side is still OK - the play you described was in the idler box?

 

No it's not the idler box , there's no load on that , but the power steering box is the problem .
When i pulled the box you have at least 2'' side movement that's on the steering wheel , hopefully have it back at the end of the week

 

Hi Blue7.3, I now have a leaking seal on mine and will require a rebuild or replacement steering box (powered) so I will provide feedback once I get this sorted. Unless somebody else from Aus has used these guys or another company?

Cheers

 

You can send your steering box to them and they will send one all ready rebuilt OR you can send yours and have that done , they have a good fast turn around.

 

I called them today, looks good and I will be pulling mine out and sending to them.

 

How did this turn out? Are you happy with the rebuilt steering boxes from national power steering? I assume this is the place in Dandenong, Vic? The website link does not seem to work anymore.

I have some play in the steering on my 2003 F250. Replaced ball joints because one was bad, rotated tyres (305/ 70R16) because the ones on the front had uneven wear apparently due to worn shock absorbers (shock absorbers have since been replaced), but the truck is still wandering. Mechanic says he would tighten the steering box at the next service, but I do not feel like waiting till then - I just do not like any wander in the steering, especially when towing. So, I am thinking that the problem will only go away by rebuilding the steering box. Truck has done 501,000 km. I have heard that redhead boxes in the US are good, but I suppose they will not work for us with our rhd vehicles.

 

Apparently Active Power Steering bought out National Power Steering in 2014. Their web site is Active Power Steering - The Leader In Quality Remanufactured Steering Gears

I am going to get my mechanic to remove the steering box and I will send it to them. They actually have a distributor in Bundaberg (Burson Auto Parts). I have tried adjusting the box and I did get some improvement that way, but not enough for my liking, and now there is simply no more thread showing above the lock nut, so I am figuring it needs rebuilding.

I did think of sending the box to Red Head in the US, and that might be the optimal solution, but the freight is not cheap there and back.

 

I realise this is a old one Blue but can you tell me how much you paid ?
I have contacted Active here is Sydney and the guy didnt fill me with confidence when talking about the steering box.
Anyway they dont have rebuilds in stock and he has quoted me $600-$2000 to do mine. Depending on what needs doing.

 

Iam sorry I do not remember exactly how much it was. I think something less than $2000, perhaps about $1400? It did improve the steering, as I remember. I have since sold the truck.

 

Hi CDU,

I believe mine was about $1350 to get rebuilt, 5 years later still running great and no slack in the wheel. I have 35" with a 4" lift and still runs great. Its cost a bit but you don't have many options out here at least its worked well for me and this is my daily drive as well.