Power Steering Gear-to Rebuild Or By Rebuilt That Is The Question...

Hey all,

Finally gathered all the pieces, built custom hoses, etc to complete the power steering upgrade that the PO never completed. Once i pressurize this thing and if by miracle the gear doesnt leak everywhere i am good. But if not....Should i rebuild or replace? What are the factors if any besides cost?

Thanks!

 

Buy a rebuilt unit. They aren't that expensive.
Steering gears have lots of mysterious little pieces in them...

 

If you have a core with 4 tabs, do not accept a reman with 3. Seems they can be boxed as equivalents, but the 4 tab is stronger.

You can rebuild the gear, but as mentioned, there are lots of parts and you need to adjust the gear as you assemble using a torque wrench like this: Amazon.com: Neiko 03727A 1/4-Inch Drive Beam Style Torque Wrench | 0-80 in/lb 9 Nm: Automotive

Good pictures here - note this is a 3-tab gear. ECJ5

 

Autozone has a good reman for $122 with a $25 core. Look for part 6529. This is the 4 tab unit with 4 turns lock to lock.

 

Depends a lot on your mechanical abilities, time, and tools available. If you are good at mechanical disassembly/assembly, can follow written instructions and are not depending on is for your daily driver, and want to know ho your steering works, go for it. Any tools required that you don't have can be borrowed or rented, lots of write ups about rebuilding are available as mentioned here and other sites, Google "Saginaw steering rebuild". If you lack mechanical skills, don't feel confident, or are in a hurry, I'd buy a replacement. HTH, Good Luck!

 

Anyone have a suggestion for actual replacement box? I am not really sure what to look for with number of turns, etc.

 

The 6529 is a 4-4.25 turns lock to lock box. Nice and slow. Steers like a Cadillac and you can spin the biggest tires with 1 finger on the wheel.

 

Thanks. I’ll look into that one. I have a pretty small steering wheel so not how that will impact.

what is the various ranges from lock to lock?

 

There's quick ratio which is like 2.75 lock to lock. Thats really fast for a short vehicle. Then theres a whole lot of flavors in the 3:1-3.5:1 range. I believe beyond that theres a 4:1 and a 4.4 or 4.5:1 box. This is GM car Saginaw 800 stuff and just from my memory...meaning it could be off.

 

Thank you. That’s helpful. I need to find a resource where I can look at these specs to find which box to choose. I have no idea which box was on what vehicle.