Topic: Steering Box
in Forum: C3 Engines, Driveline and Handling
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Lifetime MemberSummerville, SC - USA
Joined: 8/31/2005
Posts: 660
Vette(s): My 1974 Vette sold last August 2014. I am still willing to show up to events and local gatherings if anything happening No new vette yet.
Hey everyone.
Finally my engine is out and being rebuilt. In the process my mechanic found that my steering box is leaking and needs to be replaced. He said it was my option to replace it now or do it later on.
Is there a way to repair the existing one?
refill it?
If Not,
How much does one cost?
What would it cost if i did it later with everything back in at a later date or now with everything out?
I just don't want to go in blind. I want to have an idea of what i am looking at.
Thanks
Jeremy
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73 coupe L48, Flat-top pistons, Performer RPM Heads, Crane Cam and roller rockers, Holley 650 vac sec. Performer intake,
3.55 gear BTO 200-4R trans,
Leather seats, Seatbelt Plus 3point seatbelts, Pioneer CD player
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Dewitt radiator and dual electric fans
Borgeson Steering box
Lifetime MemberSummerville, SC - USA
Joined: 8/31/2005
Posts: 660
Vette(s): My 1974 Vette sold last August 2014. I am still willing to show up to events and local gatherings if anything happening No new vette yet.
thanks for the how to . I live in a development and i am not allowed to do it myself. i will relay this info to the mechanic though i am sure he knows already. I wonder if it is worth it with replacing parts and the labor versus a new one. any prices or other answers to the questions i have originally listed anyone?
Jeremy H.
Former Member
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Cramerton, NC - USA
Joined: 8/22/2006
Posts: 1094
Vette(s): black 1982 coupe slate gray interior, 350 crossfire, 1985 fuel pump, Steeroids R&P conversion
Ecklers has this one listed and another that is about $100 more. I cant see much difference in the two but at least you will know about what you are looking at dollarwise.
Lifetime MemberSummerville, SC - USA
Joined: 8/31/2005
Posts: 660
Vette(s): My 1974 Vette sold last August 2014. I am still willing to show up to events and local gatherings if anything happening No new vette yet.
thanks
Just because it's leaking does not mean it's bad. It would be cheaper labor wise to do it now with the engine out of there. Good luck with everything.
Dave
Lifetime Member #116
Dave's '82 
Lifetime MemberModerator
Duncanville, TX - USA
Joined: 11/8/2003
Posts: 20225
Vette(s): #1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/
Am-Fm/map light National/Regional/Chapter NCRS "Top Flight"
#2-1985 Bright Red/Carmine Cp.L-98/auto
Member: NCRS, NCRS Texas, Corvette Legends of Texas
If it were me, and I were in your position, I think I would have to get a new one, and pay the guy to bolt it on while he was there. But...I would first want to know exactly WHY it needed replacing.
As DaveM says, just because it is/was leaking is no reason. Seals can be replaced. If the car was driving fine before, and the only real issue is the leak, then I would have to find someone that would take the time to re-seal it, and not just tell me it had to be replaced. That sounds like either the guy is lazy, or just doesn't want to fool with it.
There's really not much in the gearbox itself that can leak...it has a medium/heavy grease, not a thin oil-type lubricant. There is no pressure in the steering box, either, on Sharks. You only need to re-seal the bottom shaft, and the top shaft...unless it is also leaking from the top/adjustment plate.
So..if the box is locking up on ya, or real tight, then I'd suggest replacement...if it's only leaking, I'd say find someone to re-seal it for ya.
my .02
As DaveM says, just because it is/was leaking is no reason. Seals can be replaced. If the car was driving fine before, and the only real issue is the leak, then I would have to find someone that would take the time to re-seal it, and not just tell me it had to be replaced. That sounds like either the guy is lazy, or just doesn't want to fool with it.
There's really not much in the gearbox itself that can leak...it has a medium/heavy grease, not a thin oil-type lubricant. There is no pressure in the steering box, either, on Sharks. You only need to re-seal the bottom shaft, and the top shaft...unless it is also leaking from the top/adjustment plate.
So..if the box is locking up on ya, or real tight, then I'd suggest replacement...if it's only leaking, I'd say find someone to re-seal it for ya.
my .02
Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56 
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Lifetime MemberSummerville, SC - USA
Joined: 8/31/2005
Posts: 660
Vette(s): My 1974 Vette sold last August 2014. I am still willing to show up to events and local gatherings if anything happening No new vette yet.
I talked to the mechanic this morning. i said i was thinking about the steering box and he said before i mentioned anything that he was going to rebuild it to save me some money. he said the was nothing wrong with it, only that it was leaking so he is ordering the rebuild kit and will take care of it rather buying a whole new unit which i don't need.
So thanks everyone for helping with the info i needed.
Jeremy H.
Lifetime MemberModerator
Duncanville, TX - USA
Joined: 11/8/2003
Posts: 20225
Vette(s): #1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/
Am-Fm/map light National/Regional/Chapter NCRS "Top Flight"
#2-1985 Bright Red/Carmine Cp.L-98/auto
Member: NCRS, NCRS Texas, Corvette Legends of Texas
That's great, Jeremy! 
Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56
My Link
(click for Texas-sized view!) NCRS
"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"
in Forum: C3 Engines, Driveline and Handling
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