[Healeys] steering box rebuild

[Ray Juncal]

Brethren of the List
    What is the collective wisdom on rebuilding an early steering box?  (BN-1 BN-2)  I am making three into two as one of the three has a cracked case.  I can use the best two parts from the three available.
    So, how do I tell the best from the worst?  I'm talking about the subtle stuff.  I can tell a pitted bearing race or grooved shaft  at the lip seal.
     The worm gears all show wear.  How much of this can be adjusted out by setting the pin depth?  Any tricks to picking the best one besides close visual inspection.  Does anyone make a replacement worm gear?  The follower pins are available but my pins don't seem to show much wear.  How do I check them?
    What should I look for in the shaft to case fit?  Should I check the case / bushing with inside micrometer?  What are the specs.  How come the bushings for the idler are $7 and the one for the steering box is $70 something??  It's not 10 times as long.
    Since this is mix and match I have no reference on how many shims it might take to set the bearing clearance on the worm gear.  The book says how to check it in the car with the wheel on but I'm on the bench.  Any way to measure or what to feel for?
    Last what is the fix for the not available felt bushing at the top of the steering column?
Thanks Guys
Ray Juncal
<healeyray.com>

       
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