JUPITER STEERING BOX

[Mike Allfrey]

Dear Drummond,

Many years ago I fell into the trap and ordered a new rack and pinion set from JOAC. I, completely unaware of the pitfalls to come, handed the whole assembly to a toolmaker friend who was to clean out the bores in each end of the rack housing to accept the new components. He soon discovered that the rack was severely bowed, due to the steel bar 'relaxing' after the tooth cutting operation. This took some considerable time to get perfectly straight. The whole exercise was time consuming and expensive.

Before your winter project commences, I would suggest that the shims in the steering rack ball housings, 52872. I have found that thes pad shims wear (disintegrate) in conditions where wheels are run out of balance or if the wheels are bent. On my car, the LHS wheel was bent for quite a while and completely demolished the shims. This felt like rack and pinion wear.

I feel strongly that, in the case of the Jupiter, wheel balance and truth are vitally important.

I am pretty sure that the bores in my housing were in good condition, the wear was at the rack itself. I think that next time, whenever that may be, I would seriously consider reclamation by metal spraying.

Has anyone tried that yet?

Just one point, Jupiter owners are never too old to own and drive a Jupiter!

All the best with your project,

Mike Allfrey.

E0 SA 42R

[Drummond Black]

Thanks for the tip, Mike, I have examined the New Rack and to the naked eye it lookes straight, however now that you have raised the valued point I will get it onto the surface table and check it properly.

With regards to metal spraying I have experience in this area. When I rebuilt the car I had to build up the three " straight ahead teeth on the rack and hone then back to the correct profile. I built it up with bronze and this has worked very well for the last ten years. This was done using a fusion type metal spray ( same temperature as brazing ). If you are talking about reclaiming the rack diameter then a " cold type metal spray " would be best.

Once I get the box out and stripped then I will let you know the findings.

Thanks for the input Drummond