Ross steering box rebuild...

The steering has gotten progressively more difficult to turn so I bit the bullet and bought a new worm shaft and bearing kit. I replaced the sector shaft two years ago. I'll replace the bushings and seal but not the shaft..

I received the new shaft and bearings but the races will not fit the steering box casting...they are about .003" larger than the old races and just won't go....one of the old races is usable but the other is shot...

Anyone have the same issue?

Solutions?

There was a fellow over at the 2a forum with the same problem....he made it fit but his worm shaft is pretty tight....the bottom race probably didn't seat....

 

What brand are the parts you are trying to install? Some brands are better quality than others

 

I bought everything from Walck's...

I shopped it....some guys have "NOS" worm shafts and some don't...bits and pieces from here and there...I just ordered the whole lot from Walck's

This will make any machinist cringe but I squared up the stone on my bench grinder and gently and repeatedly ground the races to fit. They now are nice and snug but not too tight or loose...not perfect but it'll have to do..

If they can take the trouble to make parts that almost fit, why can't they make parts that really do fit?

 

The rebuild worked out well. I had to try several shims before it felt just right, and the rest went together smoothly. The new worm shaft, along with the new bearings/races work well. I had replaced the sector shaft two years ago on my "practice" rebuild....

Steering still is a little stiffer than I'd like.....maybe that nice light 3a steering feel has ruined me..

I'll do the king pins soon and that ought to help as well...