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roadster601@aol.com
02-28-2021, 02:12 PM
hello all, I like to know from hands on how to remove the steering box on my 55 belair with factory p/s, I read the repair manual 3 times... do I have to drop or take out steering column
I'm replacing with the stock steering box no modification.
so I'm asking, I'm sure someone out there has tackled this job please get back to me please I do have a lift as well thanks to you all this is my last project...

55 Rescue Dog
02-28-2021, 04:20 PM
Well all I can tell you is, they made that about as difficult as possible. I never had the opportunity since I sold my parts car with it still in there, and didn't have to fight that battle. Good luck. You should find the video of how these cars went together on the assembly line. The body went on with the steering shaft there I think. The steering shaft and box are one piece. Bad.

markm
02-28-2021, 04:28 PM
You must remove the steering wheel first then the shift column tube from inside car second, then pitman arm and bolts to frame if I recall.

55 Rescue Dog
02-28-2021, 05:17 PM
I took a totally different approach.
11807

BamaNomad
02-28-2021, 06:02 PM
Lou,

Since you have a lift, it *might* be possible to leave the column in place, ... IF... there's room forward and down to slide the steering box and shaft OUT (forward and down) maintaining the alignment between the shaft and column. I'd put the car on a lift first and examine if it appears that's possible, OR you may be able to find out by accessing the Service Manual (as it generally tells you the most simple way to remove a part for service or replacement).

Of course you'd have to remove the steering wheel, then elevate the car on the lift, remove or disconnect the pitman arms (at least - possibly leaving it connected to the steering linkages - unless they are in the way of slipping the gear forward and down to get the shaft out?).. If it's possible the last fasteners you'd want to remove would be the bolts thru the gear and frame which hold the gear in place.

If that works, then installing the rebuilt or new gearbox/shaft would be simply reversing the process.

If that isn't possible due to other parts being in the way of the gearbox/shaft coming out, then other parts will need to be removed to let the gearbox/shaft 'wiggle' it's way out...?

Let us know what you find out and what works!

markm
02-28-2021, 06:37 PM
I did a 57 conversion to a CCP500 box that was a beater driver for a friend as I described.

BamaNomad
02-28-2021, 06:58 PM
What Mark describes is the 'typical' way of removing the gear and I've done it that way also when I was totally disassembling a car for restoration. To life the steering box UP to get it out, requires removing the column tube first and the seat should be all the way backwards and that isn't an easy job especially with all the parts that have to be removed to get the tube out of the way. IF you are going to replace all those parts then yuo may as well.

Here is a video youtube showing how someone did it that method...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D3fFf14Bo_4

Rick_L
02-28-2021, 07:26 PM
I don't think it's wise to try to leave the column in place to R&R the steering box. The steering box with shaft would have to come out in a straight shot, no moving it off angle. That isn't going to happen.

markm
03-01-2021, 06:25 AM
I don't think it's wise to try to leave the column in place to R&R the steering box. The steering box with shaft would have to come out in a straight shot, no moving it off angle. That isn't going to happen.

Thanks Rick, that is how I see it. Usless you sawsall the shaft.

Gmvette
03-01-2021, 08:43 AM
hello all, I like to know from hands on how to remove the steering box on my 55 belair with factory p/s, I read the repair manual 3 times... do I have to drop or take out steering column
I'm replacing with the stock steering box no modification.
so I'm asking, I'm sure someone out there has tackled this job please get back to me please I do have a lift as well thanks to you all this is my last project...



Sounds like one for one all original replacement right? Steering box w/column shaft goes all together. Separate column tube too.

The entire box/column (wheel removed) needs to come out. A bit of manipulation to get out thru firewall and clear everything, but very doable. Easier w/pitman arm off too.

roadster601@aol.com
03-01-2021, 04:17 PM
great video ill keep you all posted on this one. one again thank you all for your insight

roadster601@aol.com
03-05-2021, 08:45 AM
hello all, my question would anything give free play in the steering aside from the box its a factory p/w steering car thanks

55 Rescue Dog
03-05-2021, 03:35 PM
Yeah, pretty much everything connected to, and beyond the steering box, that you said you were going to replace. Give a detailed description of what you find, and then ask. You simply need someone to wiggle the steering wheel, while you look at everything for any unwanted movement is all. And it is just as easy to post a picture, as it is to ask a question.
11826

BamaNomad
03-05-2021, 07:08 PM
Lou,

If you're trying to find/correct 'free play' in the steering, if you check the Service Manual, the FIRST thing it says to do is to disconnect the pitman arm from the linkage, and then check ALL the linkages in the steering linkage. This will tell you whether the 'play' is in the linkage joints or the steering box itself. There are several joints that wear and could need replacement and those need to be corrected FIRST. I'd guess at least the idler arm is worn out....

roadster601@aol.com
03-06-2021, 05:50 PM
I agree with all the above, I made a mark at the exterior column at firewall, and shaft it should be zero minimal movement at that point its at least 2 inches both directions, I agree disconnect pitman arm to check for free play and look as someone tries free play at the wheel, as I said the steering box adjuster is bottomed out thanks Gary ...

roadster601@aol.com
03-19-2021, 10:28 AM
thanks to all, box is out an new one in a rear a job of, now to reverse it all I should be good

roadster601@aol.com
03-22-2021, 12:32 PM
you cant impossible, the box has to come out the engine compartment thanks ...

roadster601@aol.com
03-26-2021, 07:46 AM
hello all well its done a bear that it was, the steering box is in...tight no drift im happy thanks for the video helped a lot. thanks again....

roadster601@aol.com
04-13-2021, 07:32 AM
hello all I do have a issue, steering is great just very little p/s could I have a pump issue or is it the way a stock p/s feels, any thoughts ty

BamaNomad
04-13-2021, 08:13 AM
your steering should be much easier, especially when parking or moving slowly. If it isn't, perhaps the pump isn't generating enough pressure/flow of fluid? The control valve is the most often failed part with these systems; is yours new or rebuilt?

Does anyone know of an easy way to check pressure in the system?