Steering box, 55 Hash

[Deleted User]

The other day I was checking the play in my steering wheel when I noticed that even though the play is reasonable the steering box itself flexes on the body. I would think that eventually all that flexing would weaken the body where the box mounts but I have a feeling all the unibody cars have the same flex as the steering box doesn't have a frame to mount it to. Has any one else noticed this flex? I think any stepdown would have it but since I don't have many to check I thought I would pose the question to those of you who do. Have someone turn the wheel back and forth while you watch the steering box and see if it flexes on the sidewall of the engine compartment.



Harry

[Deleted User]

G'day Harry, this area of the body, which is the chassis tube/rail is prone to rust. They rust from the inside out which may cause it to weaken. The cause of the rust is a factory fault. I have seen many cases like this in Australia. Best thing to do here is remove the steering box, tap very lightly in that area using a small light hammer. If dings start to appear with ease, you know then that rust is evident on the inside.



What causes this? Well follow that frame rail to the firewall/cowl area and you will notice a 1/2" X 1/4" gap on top of the rail where it meets the cowl. Water seeps straight into that hole and into the chassis rail. This problem appears for both sides.



If there is rust or not, simply fill in that hole on both sides or weld the hole.



Regards

[Deleted User]

Steve;



I'll take a look at that. It doesn't look like any kind of a rail in there, just sheet metal. I was surprised not to see any kind of support for the steering box. I don't imagine that flex is so obvious when the car is moving, at least I hope it isn't. I'm thinking about beefing up that area with a back plate for more strength.



Harry