The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop Steering Box Bushing

Does anyone know a source for the shorter bushing that goes in the steering box cover on an AD? The shop manual says to just replace the cover if the bushing is worn since the bushing is not a service part, but good luck finding a new cover. I thought about cutting down the longer bushing that goes in the steering box itself, but figured I'd ask here first.

You know, I had the same problem, and I tried exactly what you are discussing. Then I found that the sector shaft would not fit into the new bushing. I ended up getting a cover off a junker, it was a pretty good fit. But I was stuck, and had no other options that I could see.

You can ream the bushing with a brake cylinder hone for a selective fit if you need to. I had to do that with the Ross Cam & Lever steering box on my Jeep.

Could somebody explain why there are two bushings in some of the kits, like the one from Chev's of the 40s ? Is one for the cover or what?

Now I see in the manual that there are two bushings in the main housing, for the sector shaft. I think you can buy the bushings separately from the kit. I wonder if one bushing could be cut to length and used for the cover bushing. I am just about to take mine apart.

I have taken my steering box apart and there is one bushing in the housing and one in the cover. the Chev manual states that the cover should be replaced if the cover bushing is worn. The GMC manual talks about removing it using a tap to pull it out. It then goes on to say the that after the new bushing is inserted in the cover, it will need to be bored. It also says that the bushing in the housing does not need to be reamed after installation. I would really like to understand what is going on here.

I replaced both bushings,they were NOS GM parts.I then took the housing and cover to a friendly machinist who lined honed the smaller bushing from the center line of the larger one, insuring the best fit possible.

Rust Bucket,
thanks, and now it makes sense. The smaller bushing is sized to be line honed when lined up with the rest of the housing.

Oh another little tid bit: I was talking to a rebuilder a while ago. He was explaining to me why he charges so much money to rebuild one. He told me that sometimes when there is a little wear on the shaft, he will chrome the end some to bring the size up a bit. Neat trick I think.

Rust Bucket, did you find the shorter bushing or did you cut down the longer bushing from the housing?

It was a shorter bushing, I bought them from Obsolete Chevy 10 years ago.If you only have to remove a small amount of material, the brake hone job suggested by Four on the Floor should work if you're patient.