Re: Needle Bearing conversion for two-tooth sector

Posted by Marco Tahtaras on December 22, 1997 at 21:19:15

In Reply to: Needle Bearing conversion for two-tooth sector
posted by Giles Dillingham on December 22, 1997 at 17:32:23

I considered installing needle bearings in a friend's steering ten years ago. After getting the parts from a reputable source I studied the option and chose to return to bushings for two reasons

1. The bearing had more play (slop) than the .001"-.0015" of properly reamed bushings. The extra play probably translates to 2-3" (extra) at the steering wheel, which is very uncomfortable for me.

2. It didn't appear to me that the bearing could withstand the considerable thrust incurred in normal use (especially if loose to start with).

Original sector shafts were hardened, so I would expect the bearing to deteriorate long before the shaft. If someone can provide a bearing with NO perceptable play except under a load, it may be worth trying with the understanding that if the car is driven much the bearings may require replacement every few years.

I do strongly recommend having the sector housing machined for a modern lip seal. I keeps both the car and the garage floor much cleaner! I also researched gear lubricants and found the original 600w gear lube was the approximate viscosity of modern 250 weight gear lube. Most if not all current parts suppliers are selling 140 weight, labeled as 600w. The modern 140 has excellent lubricating qualities, but leaks faster from everywhere! It also doesn't slow the transmission gears down as nicely for upshifting.


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