Steering box rebuild

[70spider]

It looks like I will have to rebuild my old steering box (due to it being an early model) and it seems the only place to get the worm gear is from: http://www.spiderroadster.com/124steeringbox1.htm
Has anyone had any dealings with this company?
Also I was watching Ed on "Wheeler Dealers" dismantle a steering box and it looks pretty simple but this being a FIat has anyone rebuilt one? Any pointers would be much appriciated.
Pesto

[djape1977]

many ways it can go wrong, sometimes unfeasable to rebuild. try finding a good used one

[85redpini]

hundreds of people have rebuilt steering box from kits from the vendors. good idea, 40+ year old used box versus new interal parts to repair it at a reasonable price.

[m1llwright]

I just rebuilt one for my 71 with parts from a second one I bought off the v-6 spider dude. I had the same trouble finding a worm gear. Its a very simple thing, like the rest of the car, which is why its awesome. If you're fairly handy you should be able to rebuild it. Carefully note how many shims and from which side of the worm they come out. Putting them back in the same place should be your best starting point for tuning the box after rebuilding, not a certainty mind you. If there is axial movement in the input shaft after rebuilding then you have too many shims total. And if there are sticky spots when turning the input you may have to shift shims from one side to the other. Good luck, you can email me at nsche891@mtroyal.ca if you have questions.

[70spider]

Thanks for the advice, I'll tear into it when winter hits. After looking at it I think it will be easier to do with the engine out of the way.

[ClarkTheShark]

Getting the pittman arm off is a S.O.B. Just rebuilt mine a few weeks ago. My gears were in good shape, but the box just needed seals and a good cleaning.

go ahead and get a pittman arm puller. available at amazon or autozone.

[70spider]

Thanks for the advice on the pitman arm puller.

[m1llwright]

I had to heat the pitman arm as well. I think I broke the first puller trying without. Its a very slight taper fit and with heat it just about fell off. Forgot that bit when I told you how easy it was.