Rebuild my gear box?

[raser13]

Hey guys and gals. My gear box is like an old farm truck. Really loose to the point that you have to constantly be turning the wheel a little back and forth. Kind of like all actors do when they "drive" in movies or shows. I've ajusted it in as far as I can without the gears binding, and still wobbly.

Was looking to replace it. But they're $140 or better for new. And not much joy finding a junk yard one. Then I noticed that there is a rebuild kit for them. It looks like just a bunch of seals.

Duralast/Power Steering Gear Kit 8522- ReadReviews onDuralast #8522

But if I got this kit and used it to rebuild my gearbox would it fix the slop issue? Or would I need a more comprehensive kit? Linky? At a third of the price it would definitely be worth my time to do it if it will fix my issue. I just don't want to get it and not have it fix my problem. That's a bit expensive for "ooops".

 

[Peanut Butter]

I have never rebuilt one. But that kit looks like it is only seals and such. Your problem sounds like worn gears or a worn bearing. Google Saginaw power steering rebuild and see what comes up. I believe it can also be replaced with one form a different make of vehicle.

 

[Posi]

Make sure you rule out other potential steering issues first.

http://www.jeep-cj.com/forums/f19/power-steering-leak-5261/#post91394

 

[Lumpy Grits]

At first, I was think'n the OP was talk'n about either the tranny or t'case.
YES-Check everydangthingelse before pull'n the 'gear box'.
LG

 

[mtnwhlr]

YES-Check everydangthingelse before pull'n the 'gear box'.
LG

What I have found with the older CJ's is with the narrow trac axles it is jumping back and forth between the groves in the road. All the cars going down the roads every day wears groves in the road that if you look hard you can see or when it rains they hold the water. With a narrow trac CJ your wheels will not run in both so you get it wanting to jump back and forth between the two. So you can't have any slop in the front end or it gets to be a heal hand full. And I just bought a rebuilt one with a warranty.

 

[mriplaybass]

Make sure you rule out other potential steering issues first.

http://www.jeep-cj.com/forums/f19/power-steering-leak-5261/#post91394

Check your caster angle. I had the same problem and discovered the caster angle was 0. I put in a set of 6 degree shims and the CJ now tracks straight.

 

[HackFabrication]

Check your caster angle. I had the same problem and discovered the caster angle was 0. I put in a set of 6 degree shims and the CJ now tracks straight.

^^^ What he said...

However, I would take it to a reputable shop that has a modern alignment rack. Get the printout. And go from there.

I sent off my steering gearbox to have rebuilt. Don't recall what he cost was, but that's something I'd rather have experienced people do. My understand on the Saginaw power steering box is it's got a bunch of ball bearing inside.

You might also consider upgrading to a different model Saginaw box.

 

[Posi]

My understand on the Saginaw power steering box is it's got a bunch of ball bearing inside.

24 ball bearings. The link below has details with pics.

Make sure you rule out other potential steering issues first.

http://www.jeep-cj.com/forums/f19/power-steering-leak-5261/#post91394

 

[HackFabrication]

24 ball bearings. The link below has details with pics.

IMHO: 24 additional reasons to have a specialist do the work.

 

[Posi]

IMHO: 24 additional reasons to have a specialist do the work.

I didn't find it too difficult to rebuilt. I enjoy working on my CJ maybe more then I like wheeling. If a Jeeper has a bad steering box and chose not to rebuild it I would recommend buying new, or find a boneyard replacement. When I hear specialist I think deep pockets.