1962 steering EPAS conversion

[Paul R.]

I'm new to this site so be nice. I have a 1962 Vette with manual steering that I am converting to power. I am at the point of reassembly and I have an odd issue with the steering box. In order to attach the Pitman arm I have to put the steering gear to the left stop (full left turn) while the wheels are straight. I did disassemble the steering gear to have the shaft cut and machined. To me it appears that it can only go back together one way.

I did the bench bearing adjustment and the slack adjustment. All felt good and smooth. After installing the lower half it seems that the drag noticed at assembly was gone and the gear and shaft were turning much easier. That should not have happened.

Side note - I Macgyvered up an interesting Pitman arm puller That worked in the tight confines like a champ. Anyone interested, I can send the info.

[David H.]

Re: 1962 steering EPAS conversion

Paul

Welcome to NCRS Tech Discussion Board!

At 4:43 of EPAS' video they note steering gear re-assembly. Was there any rotation of gears when (before) you did this operation?

Video makes it look like a "take it apart and put it back together" operation re steering gear.

Any chance your, "I did the bench bearing adjustment and the slack adjustment", changed gear positioning?

Dave

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YWUq1W-NOC8&t=84s

I'm new to this site so be nice. I have a 1962 Vette with manual steering that I am converting to power. I am at the point of reassembly and I have an odd issue with the steering box. In order to attach the Pitman arm I have to put the steering gear to the left stop (full left turn) while the wheels are straight. I did disassemble the steering gear to have the shaft cut and machined. To me it appears that it can only go back together one way.

I did the bench bearing adjustment and the slack adjustment. All felt good and smooth. After installing the lower half it seems that the drag noticed at assembly was gone and the gear and shaft were turning much easier. That should not have happened.

Side note - I Macgyvered up an interesting Pitman arm puller That worked in the tight confines like a champ. Anyone interested, I can send the info.

[Paul R.]

Re: 1962 steering EPAS conversion

Dave,

Thanks for the quick reply.
I don't know what you mean by "change gear positioning". I did all of the adjustments with the gear assembled and according to the shop manual. The adjustments were made at the mid point of left to right travel. I am trying to reassemble with the car tires in the straight position and the gear in the midpoint.

Are the taper roller bearing races not on hard stops?

Paul

[David H.]

Re: 1962 steering EPAS conversion

Dave,

Thanks for the quick reply.
I don't know what you mean by "change gear positioning". I did all of the adjustments with the gear assembled and according to the shop manual. The adjustments were made at the mid point of left to right travel. I am trying to reassemble with the car tires in the straight position and the gear in the midpoint.

Are the taper roller bearing races not on hard stops?

Paul

Paul

Your "mid point" reply answered my question as to positioning.

Does EPAS have any answers?

When you do get this sorted out, please update as to how well you like EPAS performance.

Dave

[Paul R.]

Re: 1962 steering EPAS conversion

Dave,

You gave me a place to start. I THINK I was careful. At the time it appeared that the cross shaft could only go in one way. I should have been more meticulous.

I'll let you know.

Thanks,
Paul

[Richard M.]

Re: 1962 steering EPAS conversion

Paul

Is it possible that the sector shaft end-play adjusting bolt loosened slightly? The locknut keeps it from turning.

Going from memory as I've rebuilt many C1 boxes.

Another common issue I've seen is that the end of the sector end play adjusting bolt could have worn(where it contacts the end of the sector shaft), deeming the existing shims for the bolt head inadequate.

If this is the case, another method to correct this is to add a bead of weld to the head of the bolt. Grind the weld and test fit for best fit with existing shims. Polish the face of the weld for minimal abrasion where it meets the sector shaft. Lube the contact areas before reassembly. Also ensure the cover plate gasket is the correct type, a very thin, non compressible type. When end play is then in spec all looseness should be corrected.

edit....
When you rebuilt the box, was the worm and sector roller worn? If so, that wear can contribute to looseness after assembly..

If you used a reproduction worm & roller bearing set(Argentina), then the ST-12 procedure cannot be used. The worm center is not consistent like originals. You have to find center via the test "feel" method. Lock-to-lock will vary so it must be done differently.

Rich

[David H.]

Re: 1962 steering EPAS conversion

Paul

You might try a Google or Youtube Search on "joe calcagno corvette" for a series of C1 Steering Box rebuild youtube videos.

Part 2 has some alignment information that may be of use to you.

Dave

[Paul R.]

Re: 1962 steering EPAS conversion

David and Richard,

Thank you for your input. The steering is all done and working wonderfully. My problem was in my initial assembly, as David suggested. I had not backed off the sector shaft enough before assembly. Rooky mistake.

I ran into other interferences that caused additional challenges but all in all it was an enjoyable experience.

Thanks again,
Paul