International Lancia Forums

Just pulled the top off the steering box as part of the ongoing subframe retoration. I was disturbed to find a good amount of water on top of the oil. I can only assume that this happened as a result of steam cleaning the subframe at some stage. As the car has been off the road for some time I wasn't so surprised to see the top set of roller bearings seized, these freed up just fine after a good clean out, but the main shaft had a small lip caused by the wear against the bearings indicating that they had been seized for quite some time. All indications were that the steering box has never been apart bfore.

Can you replace the main output shaft? or do you have to replace the input & output shafts as a pair?
Or can someone let be know what the wear limits are so I can measure the diameter to check if it is in spec. (I assume it won't be as I can feel the wear without resorting to a micrometer).

The box is Gemmer branded, made in France. Were they all the same?

Any tips on rebuilding?

I did once repair the top of the roller shaft by turning some off the top and pressing on an inner bush of a roller bearing which are available seperately

A couple of things about this: firts ignore the recommmended oil (SAE 90ep) as it always leaks. Millers does a very heavy oil designed for worm and roller 'boxes and confirmed to me that this would be ideal for the purpose. I use SAE 140EP although it is fairly hard to find.

Parts for Gemmer steering boxes are made by a firm in Argentina (lost the details I am afraid, but they do help people with Morgans that had an inferior box) I contacted them, but would have had to send a sample (1600) worm and roller which I did not have available at the time.

Paul

I'll try to hunt down some second hand internals before sleeving the main shaft . I think everything had the same gearing except the HF, and I am unlikely to stumble on one of those. My friend who has a suspension/wheel alignment business rebuilds alfa steering boxes regularly and recommends a concoction of gear oil and something heavier that increases the viscosity without any apparent downside, sounds similar to your recommendation Paul.

thanks

Chris

Chris,
I can sell you a 2nd hand steering box if you are interested.

Tony,

I tried emailing you, if you get the message try me again re. the steering box.

Regards

Chris

0408 978 072