Help - LHD steering box

[Nick Longman]

Hello All - new to the forum with a S2 Coupe, imported from Italy a couple of years ago.  It is in great shape, but has a an issue with a very sticky steering box.  It has been adjusted as far as possible, but unfortunately has reached the limit.
Rebuilding is an option, but finding a replacement looks the best option.

So my first posting is a cry for help.  Does anyone have (or know someone with) a spare LHD S2 steering box that they would be prepared to part with for modest funds?

All suggestions welcome.

Nick

[ncundy]

I don't have a spare, but if you get no joy from members I would ring a couple of the specialists to see if they have any.

Rebuilding it wouldn't be a big problem. Getting the arm off is a pig but the rest is just basic lathe work, almost certainly the thrust washer has worn and you'll need to make a new bronze one. If you are doing this it's worth putting grease nipple in.

[Nick Longman]

yep - this is what I've been told.  Unfortunately, lathe work is beyond me, so will need to get it done - and labour cost is an issue.  I've used LanciaRicambi.it for some bits so will see whether they have one/what cost.

[thecolonel]

is there a difference between left or right steering boxes ??

[LanciAlan]

Huib Guerink at www.viva-lancia.com does this sort of work. Have a look around his site or he might be able to advise you.

[St Volumex]

We have bought bushes like these from Omicron.  They have ones for 4 & 5 speed models.

[Nick Longman]

Ok - thanks.  The price for a new box from LanciaRicambi turns out to not be economic (€750) , so I will try the route of getting hold of new bushes - either manufactured of from Omicron.

[lancialulu]

Dare I say it but go onto vivalanvia.com run be great dutch guy Huib, and post on both the italian and dutch forums for someone to give you one.

Tim

[fay66]

Dare I say it but go onto vivalanvia.com run be great dutch guy Huib, and post on both the italian and dutch forums for someone to give you one.

Tim

I think Tim's finger slipped, I think he meant to type www.viva-lancia.com or you can email Huib direct at huib@viva-lancia.com

I don't think anyone answered the question of were there RHD & LHD steering boxes, for series 1 the Tavoli section Tav.47 item 32, lists rhd and lhd boxes.
Brian
8227

[roddy]

I would imagine the mounting flanges on the casings are on different sides, between r/h and l/h steering boxes;  but perhaps the internals may be the same?

[thecolonel]

Thanks, only reason for asking is that I have a spare rhd steering box.

Geoff

[nistri]

RH and LH steering boxes are similar except for the drop arm. To undo the bolt and pull the arm out is quite difficult and ideally should be done with the official Lancia tool to prevent slippage of pullers etc.

The box overhaul is not difficult at all as long as the surface of the worm and roller is OK. The seals can be obtained from Lancia Ricambi. There are different types of internal bearings which might be damaged. On late Fulvias, the ball bearing races were actually plastic ones (!) and did not last long especially if lacking lubrification. The needle bearings are fairly general available and not too expensive.
The steering box must be always filled up to the mark under the plug with 80W-90 oil. In general, most problems are caused by lack of oil. Good luck, Andrea

[Nick Longman]

I have decided to go down the rebuild route - this looks the best apprach and at least I know that the resulting box will be good.  I'll get replacement bushes machined.

Thanks everyone for the advice.  I'll report back when it is done.