[atom]

problem removing input shaft from steering box

i am in the process of tearing down my steering box to tap it for hydro assist. i removed the sector shaft with no problem. i am now trying to remove the input shaft from the housing and it wont budge.

i cranked it all the way left so the piston moved all the way up so no ball bearings fall out. i tried to give it a few taps with a mallet and and it doesnt budge..all it seems to want to do is rotate the worm drive. i gave it a few harder wacks and also tried to pry it and it wouldn't budge.

is input shaft cover keyed somehow and needs to be turned in a specific direction? did a few balls possibly drop out and are now jammed betwen the piston and the housing?

i searched around and this doesnt seem like a common problem. any ideas?

 

[OOP'S]

This may help you.

http://personal.utulsa.edu/~nathan-buchanan/93fsm/steering/13gearh.pdf

 

[atom]

thanks. i see my problem. im guessing the plunger guide nut is stopping the piston from backing out. the PO stripped the nut to hell. its so bad i thought it was just a plug.

is this something i can buy a replacement for? ive heard its not easy buying replacement parts for steering boxes and you might as well buy a another box. truth?

 

[gnob]

i am pretty sure i purchased a new one from the dealer.