Steering Box Install & Steering Wheel Alignment

[Harry]

I rebuilt the PS steering box on my 1966 230SL and am doing the reinstall.  I replaced the nylon bushings about a year ago.  My question pertains to ensuring the proper alignment of everything so that the signals cancel properly.  I have the box set in the center position, using the bolt through the casing into the notch inside the unit so I am confident the box is in the straight ahead position.  I took the coupling (with the nylon bushings) off of the input shaft on the box during the rebuild but I do not remove the coupling from the steering column/shaft (with the pins that go through the nylon bushings).
Is there a good thread with instructions on how to align everything properly?  Seems as though I kept seeing one referenced from Patrick(?).  I'd sure like to not have to repeat this installation.
Thanks very much,
Harry

[GGR]

Hi,

by rebuilt, do you mean resealed, or did you do more than that? If so I would be interested to know how to rebuild a steering box which has some play that adjustments can't take care of anymore.

You need to make sure that the arm at the bottom is properly positioned on the splines. There are marks that need to align.

Then, with the bolt through the casing as you did, you must make sure that the marking on the steering column points to top. That marking is on the steering wheel side, right where the bolt goes.

If you need to access the coupling area with all the elements in place, you can do so from the foot well side by undoing the cover that holds the steering column to the firewall. You have nuts on the firewall, and a collar on the column side. You can then slide the cover upwards. But you may know that already.   

[Harry]

New seals.  It had a slight, annoying leak.  I'm not 100% certain that it has been fixed but we'll see when I add fluid.  Before I can do that, I need to remove that bolt that holds it in the center position and install the plug bolt with the copper washer (so it can't leak there).  After replacing the nylon bushings a year or so ago, the steering was excellent - no discernable play.

I see the marks on the pitman and mating shaft on the steering box but was more concerned about the steering wheel end.  I'll have to check for the mark that you describe on that side.  I looked yesterday but didn't immediately find it.  I'll look harder.

Thanks very much for the prompt reply and assistance.

Harry

[ja17]

Hello Harry,
There is a slash mark on the end of the steering column, inside the steering wheel housing. This mark is meant to be at 12:00 (up) on left hand drive cars, and at 6:00 on right hand drive cars. This will ensure that your turn signal cancellation is oriented correctly.  In addition some cars had a alignment hole in the sheet metal steering column under the dash so you could "pin' the column in the assembly position.