g16 rebuild steering box

[ddevore]

Hi guys, I've got a g16 that has a bunch of play in the steering box. If I tighten the adjustment screw at all it makes turning almost impossible. I have a feeling the bearings got wet and are toast. Are there any rebuild kits or replacement parts available? I've searched around and can't really find anything for these.

Thanks for any info!
Dennis

[Mike Mac]

Jack up the front of the car and wiggle parts around till you find whats loose. You can buy wheel bearings at a bearing supply. Look in phone book "ball bearings". Tie rod ends and other parts that may be worn, can be purchased here from the venders, or at Yamaha store in your town.

[ddevore]

Thanks for the info. It's actually within the steering box. I've had the play for quite sometime, this weekend I just replaced the whole front end with a new jakes long travel kit and everything is nice and tight, no room to wiggle except for the steering box. I can turn the wheel a few inches in each direction without having the pitman arm move at all...

[Mike Mac]

Old Smallblock trick, remove the steering box top plate, then pack all the wheelbearing grease you can get into it! Works most times its tried! Then jack up thr car and adjust the jamb screw so there is no bindind when you turn the sterr. Wheel lock to lock.

[ddevore]

I gave that a shot - I can get the play out but its hard to turn it. Should I try working it a bit or are some bearings replaceable? I think water got in the steering box.

I don't mind beating the thing up a little, the jakes kit is pretty sweet!

Dennis

[Mike Mac]

Dennis, the steering box is binding? Set the jamb screw and nut so it turns lock to lock with out binding.

[ddevore]

Thanks for getting back to me Mike. It's not binding, it's just hard to turn the wheel unless I have the set screw backed out until it's not taking any play out of the steering box. When I take a little play out and turn the wheel it makes sounds like a bearing grind.

[smallblock450sl]

Originally Posted by ddevore

I gave that a shot - I can get the play out but its hard to turn it. Should I try working it a bit or are some bearings replaceable? I think water got in the steering box.

I don't mind beating the thing up a little, the jakes kit is pretty sweet!

Dennis

Dennis, if water did get into the box, absulutly the "shaft" bearings could be damaged, and yes there replaceable, also the pitman shaft pins and worm shaft could be damaged also. I do recommend takeing the whole steering box assy out of the car for this job. If you plan on doing it, I can give you some pointers.

[ddevore]

I'm sure water did get in - I found it a few months after buying it a few years ago... I'd love to replace everything (unless it's way outta my budget). Any ideas on the cost? I hate spending all the cash on the new jakes lift and what not for it not to be right.

Any info you have is much appreciated!
Thanks!

[Mike Mac]

Get bearings at an industral bearing supply store. Dont have to have Yamaha bearings.