I've long heard that steering boxes can't be rebuilt except by specialists.

But sometimes they can be repaired.

If the shaft bearings are worn, they can be replaced. I think the one on the end can even be replaced without undoing the troublesome Ball Nut with its 22 ball bearings.




And if you are not changing the worm or the sector, the clearances should still be OK. Just fit the bearing, check the end-play adjust shims if needed and you are back in business.

48025-18000 BEARING-WORM (2)

Has anyone done this repair? Any hints or tips? Sure it won't make the box like new, but might make it better than completely worn out.

I haven't pulled the bearing apart but I did pull my steering box apart to see what was inside, pulled it down and put it back together and had no problems with it! Took my time but was proud :)

You just liked the shaft nick

Hmm. I might try it one day when I have time.

Dave, if its for you - don't take it to Redhead Steering Gear in N. Seattle - I stopped by there to see if they could get the steering arm off the splined shaft & they ended up mangling the end of my shaft (thats for unfamilia).

Ended up using the other box & column I had - still have the other box in pieces. That splined connection is really tough to get apart.

That's bad new. Redhead is supposed to be one of the only places in the USA that will rebuild the 1200 steering box and do it right, with precision fit recirculating ball.

thats why I went there as our shop had used them years ago for work on customer boxes & it'd always seemed good. To salvage the shaft at this point it'll need to go to a machine shop for the threads to be cleaned up & re-cut. Sucks because you cant go buy a new one.

We should buy a bulk order of new boxes from Nissan ZA - can you still get them new there?