steering box problems
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New User
Joined: Mar 2003
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steering box problems
Hi forum,
I lost my steering today, fortunately I was just turning off the road when it happened. It seems that all my bolts on the box have broken off and a replacement non case hardened was bent. Should I replace the whole box to be on the safe side? Do bolts come with the new box? Finally do I remove the upper small nut on top of the box or the large nut that attaches to the tie rod? I do not have the tools to remove the large one and was wondering if it was necessary. Is it best left to someone a little more mechanically inclined? The truck is a 1997 f250.
Thank you,
Joe
I lost my steering today, fortunately I was just turning off the road when it happened. It seems that all my bolts on the box have broken off and a replacement non case hardened was bent. Should I replace the whole box to be on the safe side? Do bolts come with the new box? Finally do I remove the upper small nut on top of the box or the large nut that attaches to the tie rod? I do not have the tools to remove the large one and was wondering if it was necessary. Is it best left to someone a little more mechanically inclined? The truck is a 1997 f250.
Thank you,
Joe
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 9,987
Likes: 7
From: Memphis, TN
steering box problems
A '97 and you've already had to replace one of the steering box bolts? I've never heard of them breaking; much less ALL 3!
The box doesn't come with new bolts, but you should be able to collect them at a junkyard pretty easily. You need a 7/8" wrench if your replacment box comes with a pitman arm (used only). If not, you'll need a MUCH larger wrench (possibly 1 1/8") and a pitman arm puller ($12 from Harbor Freight). It's not very difficult, but it is messy and tiring. A helper would make it a LOT easier. Buy a few cans of Gunk Engine Brite and clean the whole area a few times before you start.
The box doesn't come with new bolts, but you should be able to collect them at a junkyard pretty easily. You need a 7/8" wrench if your replacment box comes with a pitman arm (used only). If not, you'll need a MUCH larger wrench (possibly 1 1/8") and a pitman arm puller ($12 from Harbor Freight). It's not very difficult, but it is messy and tiring. A helper would make it a LOT easier. Buy a few cans of Gunk Engine Brite and clean the whole area a few times before you start.
Last edited by steve83; Aug 16, 2003 at 05:00 PM.
