3.8s steering box problem

[geoffxk888]

hi
my mechanic changed the front seal of my 1965 3.8s steering box which worked fine but leaked, upon refilling it and starting it now turns left!
he's bled it, flushed it, cleaned it - still goes left!
help please from anyone that's had this issue and knows the fix.

also can anyone recommend a good steering box repair in case I need it

many thanks
Geoff

[piman]

Hello Geoff,

I suspect that the box is not at the straight ahead position when the wheels are, if the box is not centred, then the assistance valve is opened. Just try turning to the right until there is a 'dead' spot, i.e. no pull?

Alec

[geoffxk888]

Hello Geoff,

I suspect that the box is not at the straight ahead position when the wheels are, if the box is not centred, then the assistance valve is opened. Just try turning to the right until there is a 'dead' spot, i.e. no pull?

Alec

Hi Alec
Thanks but my mechanic tried that it seems that the power is sending it right all the time.
I'm getting depressed speaking to many steering specialists who say all say the Burman box (which confusingly has Hale on the casing) is nothing but trouble and there's probably a balance problem.
The best advice is change it for a rack and pinion replacement which cost £2k + ouch!!!
My mechanic is reluctantly looking at pulling the box apart, I meanwhile continue to ring around
Anyone with a rescue plan would be welcome

[340jag]

my mechanic changed the front seal of my 1965 3.8s steering box which worked fine but leaked,

If it worked fine before your mechanic got his hands on it , I would suggest it is something he has done !

There must be quite a few people with Burman steering boxes on here , that are fine , and that have had work successfully done on them ?

There is a old saying , a good workman never blames his tools , your mechanics tools are his brain and hands !!

Most mechanics would look at the diagram and run

Ps that's why now days most are called fitters , as they fit new parts !

[piman]

Hello 340jag,

"Ps that's why now days most are called fitters"

Some may fit that description by replacing parts but a proper fitter is capable of making things fit and is actually a very skilled trade, be it mechanical or electrical.

Alec
Time served electrical fitter.

[Zennan101]

Hi Alec,

My late father was a skilled mechanical fitter. There wasn’t anything that he could not take apart, repair, and refit. If I had learned just half his skills I would be very competent.
He learned his skills in the Army where fixing things in less than ideal conditions was necessary!
He would shake his head at the current level of ‘fitter’ skills.

[PPV]

Not sure exactly which seal he 'fixed' but he must have moved the valve that opens and closes the portsto create oil going to one side of the piston when in the staright ahead position. Perhaps sealing sleaves were damaged etc etc. I would suggest a specialist looks at it. If you search for Burman power sterring specialists many come up but perhaps readers may have used one and recommend them. Be careful of using racks unless from a known expert as they can change the steering geometry.

Regards,

[geoffxk888]

hi
I have exhausted contacting all the steering box specialists up and down the country, every one says the power Burman box is trouble and they wont touch them with a barge pole! so I am left with scrapping the car or fitting an expensive rack system - which I have decided to do.
having read countless articles about the MK2 and 3.8S someone would have mentioned the issues with the Burman box, it would have helped my buying decision.
will let you know how it all goes

[PPV]

I do not agree with the comments regarding the Burman box. It was one of the most wideky used boxes available and worked very well and is generally robust. Have you tried: http://www.holman-engineering.co.uk/aut ... eering.php or http://mcp.ltd.uk/steering-boxes/ or https://steering-racks.co.uk/boxes-classic-cars/ or https://www.steeringservices.com/

Regards,

[340jag]

Scrap the car my way , I will rip out the power steering and fit a manual box

[geoffxk888]

Hi again
Thanks for replies giving S steering specialists but called them all - same story Burman power boxes big trouble and won't touch them!
I can't believe there's no one left out there who will touch em! There was a guy but he retired !!

These boxes should carry a health warning
Cheers

[Martec]

I've noted your later post about fitting a steering rack.
18 years ago due to back and shoulder pains I was advised to replace the standard manual steering box with a 420 front subframe with the later Marples (cast iron) power steering box powered by an XJ6 pump (extra fan belt drive).

I was advised not to dismantle it but live with the leaks, I couldn't so removed the spindle but ensured that the torsion bar in the input spindle was not moved (this can result in your problem of steering pulling to one side). I always left the belt a bit slack so as not to lift the relief valve, unfortunately I forgot this and when replacing the engine recently I tightened the belt and blew the in the steering box end cover seal, but still managed to drive 150 miles home.

I doubt there is much chance of getting a 420 subframe, but the power steering box still give very good handling with 1 degree of negative camber.
Brian

[340jag]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ciA3vk7R3fE

[ChrisDixon]

Geoff the link above is to a video by ICS who I mentioned in your other Vicarage thread, If you haven't contacted then you should, they work on all manner of bus and truck steering boxes so should know their stuff. You could even ditch your power setup and fit a quicker unassisted box which will make the car drive better and add electric EZ assistance if you need it.

PS - you could also ask a proper specialist like Mike Wilkinson what they would suggest before diving into rack conversions etc (but resist the temptation to buy one of his instead!)