Steering box berarings

[davidwheeler]

I am rebuilding my spare steering box as the gears in it seem to be in better condition.  The self aligning bearings on the trans shaft are easy enough but the steering column shaft bearings aer of a type that I am sure no longer exist.   They seem in good condition but they are on the wrong shaft and I suspect will be impossible to remove. 
Has anybody else done this and, if so, what bearings did you use please?

[davidwheeler]

I have had a quote for these

We can offer as follows :

1. 1 piece RIV 1/AS at £318.00.

2. 1 piece RIV 2/AS at £449.00.

Delivery is 7 - 10 days from Italy.

Because of the horrific shortage of these bearings these prices are valid for 7 days ONLY.

UPS or DHL Insured UK Delivery at £15.00.

Regards

Graham Naughton
Director


Orinoco Bearings Ltd
Leeds
UK

Telephone Number :
From OUTSIDE the UK : 0044 113 263 1919
From INSIDE the UK : 0113 263 1919

Email : orinocobearings@gmail.com
Web : www.orinocobearings.co.uk
Beyond my means but if anyone is feeling flucsh and in need they do still exist.

[davidwheeler]

In the face of those prices, I carefully removed the bearings from the worn shaft and put them onto the shaft from the spare box (which came with the car in 1964).   I then cleaned up the casings and found these marks.   Intrigued, I assembled the shaft with bearings into the case and gently clamped it up and found I could just insert a shim of 0.03 - inches!      The 0.06 is the one from the car and bears evidence of a gasket (the spare was bereft).   I shall therefore tap out a gasket from a sheet of printer paper which should do the job perfectly.
The box in the car went stiff when turned against resistance though not when the wheels were off the ground.   I think my mistake was to pack it with grease which could not take the pressue and thus failed to luricate the gear faces leading to stiffness and some visible wear.   I shall use oil in future!
The bearings of the cross shaft, being standard angular thrust bearings are still easy to source.

[Parisien]

Excellent piece of engineering detective work, well earned satisfaction I imagine too!

P

[davidwheeler]

Now assembled with said sheet of paper (and plenty of Wellseal).   To my pleasure the oil seal on the downward side screwed straight in and tightened up nicely.   I can turn the shaft too!.