Power Steering Gear Box

[ponypastor]

Has anyone tried having a leaky power steering box rebuilt or repaired?

 

[Sheriff41]

The steering gear is fairly easy to rebuild/reseal. Kits are available at most auto parts sources.

 

[Don C]

Bentworker did a nice writeup:
https://7173mustangs.com/threads/pl...io-spa-af-variable-ratio-firebird-12-7.25635/

If any Admins read this, maybe they can move it to the tutorials.

 

[Stanglover]

I've done 3 of my own now.
Where it gets hard for the home rebuilder is when the sector shaft needs to be repaired. This is not something that can be done without machining and grinding equipment, plus hard chroming the damaged area. The seal area is very prone to excessive ware at the seals because it was either too costly, on no-one thought to add a dirt seal as well, similar to the input shaft. I have not found a supplier or a repair shop that will do them at reasonable cost. I did my own.
Also you'll need a inch/pound torque wrench that will read as low as 3 in/lbs. I bought a small bean wrench off amazon. Pic 1, is the shaft I repaired, you can see a line where the hard chrome ends. Pic 2 is the beam wrench (torque tool).
If all you need is a new seal kit, yes it can be done. There are a few good videos on YouTube to help (and some that are totally crap)
Any doubts, buy one already done and if I were going that route, I'd go for a 12.7:1 fast ratio from a supplier like RedHead.

 

[RacerX]

Look up Chockostang. He rebuilds and improves the steering gearboxes better than new and can upgrade it with quicker steering ratio if so desired.

 

[ponypastor]

Look up Chockostang. He rebuilds and improves the steering gearboxes better than new and can upgrade it with quicker steering ratio if so desired.

Thank you for the recommendation. I will contact them. Appreciate your help.

 

[ponypastor]

I've done 3 of my own now.
Where it gets hard for the home rebuilder is when the sector shaft needs to be repaired. This is not something that can be done without machining and grinding equipment, plus hard chroming the damaged area. The seal area is very prone to excessive ware at the seals because it was either too costly, on no-one thought to add a dirt seal as well, similar to the input shaft. I have not found a supplier or a repair shop that will do them at reasonable cost. I did my own.
Also you'll need a inch/pound torque wrench that will read as low as 3 in/lbs. I bought a small bean wrench off amazon. Pic 1, is the shaft I repaired, you can see a line where the hard chrome ends. Pic 2 is the beam wrench (torque tool).
If all you need is a new seal kit, yes it can be done. There are a few good videos on YouTube to help (and some that are totally crap)
Any doubts, buy one already done and if I were going that route, I'd go for a 12.7:1 fast ratio from a supplier like RedHead.

Thanks for the informative response. Very Helpful.

 

[kevken1959]

I researched the posts on this topic and this is what I think I'd like to order. https://www.buyautoparts.com/buynow/1971/ford/mustang/power_steering_gear_box/82-00357_qr?src=pla

2.5LTL and 10:1 ratio is going to make for very tight steering. I'm not sure I'll like this compared to stock. What do you guys think?

 

[Stanglover]

Kevin, this is just my thought on a 10:1 ratio PS box. A bit too quick for street, but perhaps good for track or "spirited driving".
I think I'd want to try one out and see if I like it.

 

[Hemikiller]

Look up Chockostang. He rebuilds and improves the steering gearboxes better than new and can upgrade it with quicker steering ratio if so desired.

Thank you for the recommendation. I will contact them. Appreciate your help.

Dan doesn't work on the 71-73 Saginaw boxes, but he will rebuild the pumps.

 

[ponypastor]

Dan doesn't work on the 71-73 Saginaw boxes, but he will rebuild the pumps.

Yes. I contacted him and found that out.

 

[SteveO_71]

A few of us have used the following with satisfactory results:

http://www.powersteering.com/

 

[kblackav8or]

Has anyone tried having a leaky power steering box rebuilt or repaired?

I went through Lee Power Steering about 15 years ago (they are still around) and got what I think is a fantastic upgrade. I want faster ratio and more feel and feedback and have been happy. A bit less boost as well. I ran it on a later 5.0 style pump which readily adapts to the older bracket on a Cleveland with minor mods anyone should be able to do. I think I had to make a spacer and drill a hole in the bracket or something. A lot quieter. they can also supply you with lines and such. Mine I think I wound up with 10:1 ratio and I find it perfectly acceptable for my use. It is nice and tight, no slop.

 

[ponypastor]

I researched the posts on this topic and this is what I think I'd like to order. https://www.buyautoparts.com/buynow/1971/ford/mustang/power_steering_gear_box/82-00357_qr?src=pla

2.5LTL and 10:1 ratio is going to make for very tight steering. I'm not sure I'll like this compared to stock. What do you guys think?

What is the factory stock ratio for the PS Gear Box?

 

[Hemikiller]

What is the factory stock ratio for the PS Gear Box?

Fixed ratio (non- competition suspension cars) is 17.5:1, 4 turns lock to lock.

Variable ratio (competition suspension cars) is 16:1 on center, 13:1 at lock, 3 1/8 turns lock to lock.

 

[ponypastor]

Fixed ratio (non- competition suspension cars) is 17.5:1, 4 turns lock to lock.

Variable ratio (competition suspension cars) is 16:1 on center, 13:1 at lock, 3 1/8 turns lock to lock.

Is a 10.1 ratio too tight for normal driving?

 

[droptop73]

I don't know if 10:1 is too quick but the 12.7:1 is very popular with the "pro touring" crowd.

 

[kblackav8or]

I have 10:1 and I like it.

 

[Stanglover]

In another post just recently on a similar question,
Steer & Gear in Columbus Ohio were very helpful and helped me with components I needed to rebuild 2 of my boxes. I've not heard of anybody who has had the PS box rebuilt by them, but from talking on the phone, I am pretty sure they'd do a good job. I posted a Google link in the post, so not going to duplicate here.

 

[ponypastor]

https://www.buyautoparts.com/buynow/1971/ford/mustang/power_steering_gear_box/82-00357_qr?src=pla