steering box on a 1937 16

[peacock]

HI DOES ANYONE KNOW IF THE BRONZE/BRASS SCREW IN THE STEERING BOX OF A 16 SPORTS SALOON 1937 CAN BE CHANGED IN SITUE WITHOUT TAKING IT OUT OF THE CAR AND IF SO HOW? AS THERE IS TOO MUCH PLAY IN THE STEERING.

[GOY189]

Its a bronze nut and repair techniques involve replacing the nut and line boring the steering box to suit the new nut, so its best to remove the column and box from the car.

You will have to remove the horn push and the centre tube its connected to from the column before removing the steering wheel. The Column and box can then be removed forwards underneath the car, which needs to be high in the air. Please, if you do this job yourself, ensure that the front axle is firmly supported on axle stands. Do not work under a car like a P2 supported only on a jack.

Hope this helps

Mike Maher

[Trevor45]

Hi Guys I have a 1938 12 Tourer which came with a brass nut for the steering box which the previous owner said could be installed without removing the box, just by removing the plates at top and bottom I also would like further info about the steering box from others who may have tried such manoeuvers please. Hope someone can help Trevor

[47p2]

Royce Cole renewed the bronze nuts on the steering on my P2 some 27 plus years ago. Although it does not mention whether the box was removed or not I must presume it was infact out of the vehicle as a full restoration was done between 1975 and 1983. The following is what he wrote at the time. Hope this helps.

For the steering box and column, bronze multi-start nuts were available in the UK and I got one with the car. The RSR workshop manual gives instructions on reconditioning old nuts. The inside of the outer tube and the steering shaft rust, and iron oxide makes a very efficient abrasive which falls down to the bearing surface of the nut and the steering box. The inside of the tube and the shaft must be primed and painted after cleaning out the rust and treating the surface with Deoxidene or similar product. This rusting of the inside seems to be the downfall of Rover steering boxes; P4 and P6 have it too, and the angle downwards makes sure that abrasive gets into the vitals. I fitted a tight felt washer inside the column right at the bottom, well saturated in oil to catch any future rust

[Trevor45]

Hi 47p2, Thanks for your reply, I think that the writing is on the wall, I need to obtain a Workshop manual, and for the time being try getting used to pre-war motoring!
regards Trevor

[47p2]

Let us all know how you proceed Trevor

[daveandfru]

Hi Trevor how are you getting on with the steering box. Im in the same boat.

regards Dave Whitehouse

[Trevor45]

Hi Guys, Sorry I've not posted anything sooner. Basically, there is nothing to report at the momemt, I've found that driving can be a real pleasure once it is accepted that this is 1938 motoring! I think the MOT next year will be the testing (pun intended!) time and may lead to a professional rebuild if required. Incidentally, my car is a 12hp saloon (6 light) not tourer as originally claimed. I'll report on further developments in the future. Best Wishes, Trevor