A Deep Dive into the 1966-1973 Chevrolet Caprice Steering Gear
Restore steering precision and eliminate wandering in your classic Caprice by understanding its steering gearbox.
- Before replacing the steering gear, inspect all other steering components like tie rods and ball joints for wear.
- Common failure symptoms include excessive steering play, fluid leaks from the unit, and binding or grinding noises when turning.
- You must choose between a 100% new aftermarket unit (like PWR) or a remanufactured one (like BBB Industries), which can be inconsistent in quality.
- Proper installation requires centering the new gearbox before installation and bleeding all air from the power steering system afterward.
Is Your Steering Gear Failing?
Over decades of use, the internal components of the steering gear wear out. This can lead to a number of steering problems. Before you decide to replace the gearbox, it's important to inspect the entire steering system. Worn tie rod ends, ball joints, or a worn idler arm can also cause loose steering and should be checked first.
🎬 Watch: How to find and fix steering issues in classic carsCommon Symptoms of a Bad Steering Gear
- Excessive Steering Play: This is the most common symptom. You'll notice a "dead spot" when the steering wheel is centered, requiring you to constantly make small corrections to keep the car driving straight. While a small amount of play was normal for these cars even when new, more than an inch of movement at the steering wheel rim without the wheels turning is a sign of wear.
- Fluid Leaks: Puddles of reddish or brown power steering fluid under the front of the car are a clear sign of trouble. Leaks typically happen at the input shaft seal (where the steering column connects) or the output/sector shaft seal (where the pitman arm connects).
- Grinding or Binding: A grinding noise or a feeling of the steering catching or binding as you turn the wheel points to internal wear and metal-on-metal contact. This can feel like uneven resistance when turning.
- Hard Steering: If the steering wheel suddenly becomes very difficult to turn, it could be a loss of hydraulic pressure inside the gearbox. However, this can also be caused by a failing power steering pump.
Choosing the Right Aftermarket Steering Gear
Finding a brand-new original GM steering gear for a 1966-1973 Caprice is nearly impossible. Your choices are in the aftermarket, which mainly consist of two categories: fully new units and remanufactured units.
Brand Quality Comparison
| Brand | Type | Known For |
|---|---|---|
| PWR | New Aftermarket | PWR markets its steering gears as 100% new, not remanufactured. They emphasize their engineering and quality control processes in the USA. Choosing a new unit eliminates the risk of hidden wear that can sometimes be found in a remanufactured part's core components. |
| BBB Industries | Remanufactured | BBB Industries is a major supplier of remanufactured parts. Quality can be inconsistent; some classic car owners report good experiences with their parts, while others have reported premature leaks and poor rebuilding quality on other vehicle applications. A remanufactured part uses the original housing (core) with new seals, bearings, and other wear items installed. |
A Note on Remanufactured Parts
The quality of a remanufactured steering gear heavily depends on the condition of the original core and the rebuilder's process. While many are reliable, some forum users have reported issues with parts store remanufactured units being a "crap shoot." Issues like premature leaks or internal rust have been documented by some buyers.
Replacement Cost
Replacing the steering gear is a moderately involved job. While the part itself is a significant cost, labor at a professional shop can also add a considerable amount to the total. Below are estimated costs.
| Item | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| New Aftermarket Steering Gear | $677.57 - $829.18 |
| Shop Labor | $300 - $600 |
| Total Estimated Cost | $977 - $1,429 |
Pro Tip: Installation Best Practices
If you or your mechanic are replacing the steering gear, two steps are critical for success. First, the new gearbox must be perfectly centered before installation. This involves turning the input shaft from lock-to-lock, counting the rotations, and turning it back exactly half that amount. Second, the power steering system must be properly bled of all air after installation to prevent damage to the new gear and the pump.
🎬 Watch: How to properly flush and bleed your power steering systemFrequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I just adjust my old steering gear?
There is an adjustment screw on the top of the Saginaw steering gear that can be tightened to remove some play. However, this is often a temporary fix. If the internal gears are worn, tightening the screw can cause the steering to bind, especially near the full-turn locks. 🎬 See this guide on how to properly adjust a Saginaw box It cannot fix leaks or severe internal wear.
Is my power steering pump bad, or is it the gearbox?
It can be tricky to tell. A whining noise that changes with engine RPM and gets louder when you turn the wheel often points to a failing power steering pump, especially if the fluid is low or foamy. Excessive steering wheel play or leaks directly from the gearbox itself point to a bad steering gear. A complete and sudden loss of steering assist is more often related to the pump or a broken belt.
Can I upgrade to a "quick ratio" steering gear?
Yes, aftermarket companies offer quick ratio steering gears for these cars. A quick ratio box requires fewer turns of the steering wheel to go from lock-to-lock, providing a more responsive, modern feel. However, some owners find that a very quick ratio can feel too sensitive or "twitchy" if the rest of the car's suspension is still stock.
Is replacing the steering gear a DIY job?
For an experienced home mechanic, yes. The job is considered to be of intermediate difficulty and typically takes between 3 to 5 hours. It requires safely lifting the vehicle, a special tool called a pitman arm puller, and careful execution of centering the new box and bleeding the system.
Helpful Videos
Technical Specifications
The 1966-1973 Chevrolet Caprice uses a Saginaw-style recirculating ball power steering gear. Specific OEM part numbers are difficult to verify due to the vehicle's age, but replacement parts are matched to the vehicle's year and original specifications.
We Have This Part in Stock
The information in this article is provided for general reference and educational purposes only. Vehicle specifications, procedures, and part compatibility can vary by production date, trim level, and region. Always consult your vehicle's factory service manual and verify part numbers before purchasing or performing repairs. Safety-critical components such as airbags, seat belts, and braking systems should be installed by a qualified professional.
- 🎬 Helpful Videos
- 🛍️ Shop This Part
- Is Your Steering Gear Failing?
- Common Symptoms of a Bad Steering Gear
- Choosing the Right Aftermarket Steering Gear
- Brand Quality Comparison
- A Note on Remanufactured Parts
- Replacement Cost
- Pro Tip: Installation Best Practices
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
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