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Saginaw Bearings Found - Now Why?

Discussion in 'Early CJ5 and CJ6 Tech' started by ljspop, Sep 15, 2004.

  1. Sep 15, 2004
    ljspop

    ljspop Lurking Bronco Dude

    San Diego, CA
    Joined:
    Jan 29, 2003
    Messages:
    394
    Hi All,

    I found a place that will sell me the bearings needed to fix up my manual Saginaw box. Straight Line Steering - 1800 832 2800. I'll let you all know if they send the right stuff... Nobody local could help and everyone else I contacted wanted to sell me a new box to the tune of $200 or $300 :rofl:

    Now that I've got that on order the question is why did the only bearing that fail do so. It is the input bearing on the worm gear. It was really toast - but the rest of the box looks pretty good. I have one theory that the shaft that connects to the box was not a straight shot to the box - it had a slight angle on it and was connected by a rag joint. I think this might have been compounded by the fact the worm gear input shaft was customized - made longer - which put even greater side loads on the bearing.

    Does this sound like a reasonable theory - or should this bearing be able to take some side load? Obviously there was a seal problem with the box as there was some water in it when I opened it up. If it is a reasonable theory, should I bother to change things to correct it? I'm thinking collapsable shaft and U-Joint in place of the rag joint. I'm open to opinions if there are any out there. This setup lasted at least 20 years - but who knows how long it has been going south.

    Thanks. :beer:
     
  2. Sep 15, 2004
    JohnyJeep

    JohnyJeep BLOWING A XING NEAR U@2AM

    Beautiful Cody WY
    Joined:
    Sep 22, 2002
    Messages:
    513
    Bob,

    Since there was water in there it probably helped toast the bearing. Is it like a regular style caged ball bearing like an electric motor would have? They can take quite a bit of side load. 20 years doesn't sound to bad considering it's subject to dirt and moisture. Hard to say about your steering setup. I can't recall the angle of your steering setup though. If I had your money I would opt for the collapsable shaft and u joints. R) R) R)
     
  3. Sep 15, 2004
    James P. Enderwies

    James P. Enderwies Sponsor

    Lake Havasu City, AZ
    Joined:
    Feb 2, 2003
    Messages:
    747
    Bob & Joel: I've got a question for you guys. First of all, my steering works fine, especially after the Flaming River instal. BUT, even on the old GM tilt column I had a slight "vibration" when turning in a parking lot at slow speed. Now, I have felt that before and it was the bearings in the column itself going. After I had the FR column installed, I was shocked to find it still does it (I know the bearings in the FR column are fine). The only thing I notice is the belt on the PS (it's a toothed Gates) is very shinny--like it's glazed--other than that it looks fine (no cracking or anything else). I think that will be my first "fix". Changed about 1/2 the fluid in the pump and no change. Other than that slight "vibration" (no squeeling) at low speeds it works fine. Don't notice it at all at driving speeds.

    Any thoughts? I'm betting it's the pump.
     
  4. Sep 15, 2004
    jpflat2a

    jpflat2a what's that noise?

    Hermosa, SD
    Joined:
    Jul 30, 2003
    Messages:
    8,513
    Bob
    maybe when they lengthened the shaft, it melted or weakened the seal from welding; may have cooked the grease also
     
  5. Sep 15, 2004
    jpflat2a

    jpflat2a what's that noise?

    Hermosa, SD
    Joined:
    Jul 30, 2003
    Messages:
    8,513
    Jim:
    I don't see how the pump itself could transmit vibration thru the column
    true, it is moving fluid under pressure
    I know this is asking a lot, but I would try it with the belt removed
    find a big safe parking lot......and don't spill your drink!!!!
     
  6. Sep 15, 2004
    vanguard

    vanguard

    How did I get involved in this? :D
     
  7. Sep 15, 2004
    James P. Enderwies

    James P. Enderwies Sponsor

    Lake Havasu City, AZ
    Joined:
    Feb 2, 2003
    Messages:
    747
    Jim: I don't think it's the pump itself, but the belt. Or maybe the pump is "getting worn or weak", if there is such a thing. Just replaced the pump in my Yukon--it BLEW! :shock: :evil:

    Not a bad idea about taking the belt off.

    Don't drink ANYTHING while driving the Jeep--Don't drive it at night--NO CUP HOLDERS! R) R)
     
  8. Sep 15, 2004
    ljspop

    ljspop Lurking Bronco Dude

    San Diego, CA
    Joined:
    Jan 29, 2003
    Messages:
    394
    Yeah, I guess I'll just save my pennies and put it back together the way it was. 20 years is good enough for gov't work. :D
     
  9. Sep 17, 2004
    ljspop

    ljspop Lurking Bronco Dude

    San Diego, CA
    Joined:
    Jan 29, 2003
    Messages:
    394
    Bearings arrived today from Straight Line and they sent the right stuff. :shock: I'm really stoked - if you need saginaw parts give em a call.
     
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