Suzuki 4WD Club of Victoria

I am tipping this question has been asked many times. I am new to this forum, so if it has been dealt with before, sorry! I have a 1987 sierra cab chasis ute. I have done 650000 kms. The steering box is pretty sad. They tell me it cant be reconditioned. Is this true? I have also heard that certain datsun steering boxes can be adapted. Is this also true? From what I have seen on this forum there seems to be lot of knowledge about suzukis. Any advice will be apreciated. Thanks.

Hi Luigi.

650,000km! Golly.

No, the steering box can't be rebuilt. The factory service manual lists the steering box as a replacement part. Once they are worn, they're thrown out.

I assume you've already run out of adjustment in the box?

I'm not aware of a "bolt in" nissan steering box. Many boxes have been fitted, but all require some modification to the chassis as far as I am aware.

There is a kit available to bolt in a Vitara power steering box from new zealand:

http://www.auszookers.com/forum/viewtop ... 15&t=15009

If you have a 1.3 litre sierra, this would be a good alternative to trying to find replacement manual steering box in good condition - Vitara's are much more common in wreckers than sierras now.

Finding Sierra steering boxes that are in good condition is now quite difficult. I have a couple of boxes kicking around that are in "ok" condition, but they are worn and there's little adjustment left in them.

Thanks for the reply. The power steering option sounds good, but a bit of work. I havent tried adjusting it. I think it is beyond adjustment. It has a notchy feel, like pitted ball bearings. I can feel it when I turn it by hand.I expect fitting a steering box from another car is going to take some thought and alteration.One of the things I like about my sierra is its simplicity. The extra pulleys and belts needed for power steering is what I want to keep away from. I think I will look at other options first. Thanks for the advice.

Have you removed the shaft between the firewall and the box and checked the uni joint at the firewall end? This is normally the source of a notchy feel in the steering. Box wear normally just results in lots and lots of play and can be adjusted out until the box runs out of adjustment.

There's literally hundreds of millions of cars running hydraulic power steering. It's simple, reliable,and fail safe. It will also make your car much more enjoyable to drive. I wouldn't rule it out.

Steve.

You are right about the power steering making it more enjoyable to drive. I wouldnt know myself. Driving my sierra always reminds me of those old black and white movies. Where the people are driving a car and constantly moving the steering wheel from side to side. At least I now know there is a viable option. I am going to check out a 120y steering box.