Steering box removal.

[Barnfind]

Hello.
After a while waiting for parts, I began to remove the steering box. But the universal joint attached to it is so rusty that I cannot remove it. Looks like the rust in the splines is causing that.
I have tried the normal stuff, wd40 soaking a few days, heat and cold, but it won't move. It is under the pedals, so it is really difficult to reach with a hammer, or anything else.
Any ideas? At this moment this is the only thing stopping me to ride (Finally) my Dino.

Thanks

[Dinoswede]

If I recall details right, you will have to remove the bolt with nut (locking the universal joint/steering shaft to the steering box shaft) completely. The actual
bolt is securing the splined parts to each other, even if the nut is not completely tightened. When the bolt is away, you should be able to open the splined
joint a little, getting the splines to let go from each other, hopefully! Avoid using a hammer on the steering box shaft - it could damage the steering box
internals!
Hoping this will help!

Dinoswede

[Barnfind]

Unfortunately, all that is done. It is the same removal procedure for my other Fiat, but this concrete one is reluctant to leave.
The problema appears to be that the splined shaft is very long, and the clamp comprises only a small section. As rust domines the situation at the moment, the universal joint refuses to Split its 40 years old marriage.

Looks like the only solution is to keep calm and wd40..

Thanks for your answer..

[croker]

Get some PlusGas penetrating fluid..its better than WD40..Amazon/ebay

[Barnfind]

I'm considering to cut the outer spline close to the Ujoint with a grinder, and then weld or get another steering shaft. Nothing has worked, and I need that steering box out..

[71Dino]

Hi

I had exactly the same problem. I couldn't disconnect the joint either. I tried penetrating fluid, I tried heat , I tried praying but nothing worked so I left it for a couple of weeks. When I returned to the box it came apart with no effort at all. I would recommend applying some heat and then some penetrating fluid and then just leave it to soak in for some time.

Good Luck

[ThomasK]

...and don't be too shy. You can and should use a bit violence. Use a Hammer and a solid screwdriver. It worked finally on my Dino.

[fdus172]

WD40 won't really work to break the rust barrier. In the US the best is PB Blaster - try for an equivalent penetrating fluid in Spain. Apply fluid and some heat - wait overnight - then more fluid and heat... Once it's separated you'll really want to clean any parts that were exposed to the fluid since it will seriously thin the steering box grease.

Rick Wohleber
Portland Or

[Barnfind]

Finally, penetrating oil and heat worked it out, and the steering box is in bits rightt now. Unfortunately, the damage is far more extensive than I thought. Needle bearings are destroyed, the shaft rusted, and the inner race of both conical bearings (which is the shaft itself) are terribly worn.
There is a box for sale now on ebay, but I'm npt willing to spend another 1500 eur. I will take the pieces to my local machinist to see what he can do. He speciallizes in industrial machines, so maybe he has a good fix.

Thanks to everybody for the advice.

[Barnfind]

Well, after 3 months the steering is finished with new ball joints, all painted up and clean.

I fittted angular contact bearings, machining the shaft and the housing (original outer race are 1mm different) and fitted new needle bearings. the shaft was refilled with matherial, hardened and rectified. Adjusting with shims was very time consuming, as a deviation of 0.5mm has a terrible effect in the centering. But it is finally done..

Regards