1973 280C steering gear box problem

[Ark of MU]

Pictures added todayThe top mounting bolt, inside left front fender, for the steering gear box broke off and the box is loose. This causes "bumping" in the steering wheel and loose steering getting worse. How do I remove the steering box to check if it's O.K.? Can I simply drill out the broken bolt and replace or is the broken bolt a symptom of something worse? I have an approx. 1/16" plate spot welded to the frame were the broken bolt is...noticed a crack in the frame at bottom of the plate (See Pics)??? More problems??? Latest report, couldn't remove tie rods...do I need pickle fork? Also, while looking at the coupler as I move the steering, I noticed the two bolts(?) w/clips move around...loose/broken coupler?

[carnut]

The broken bolt piece should simply unscrew from the box once you remove the gear box. Remove box?? Remove the 2 hoses to the gear box, loosen rag joint coupler, remove tie rod from pitman arm, remove remaining bolts holding the box to the frame. BUT if the box is loose you have more loose bolts retaining the box to the frame. Thats why the upper bolt broke.

[bwostosh]

I just pulled the pitman arm from steering box with a NAPA pitman arm puller $16.02. made the box replacement easy. get the box rebuilt and sealed while you are there.

[pj67coll]

Originally Posted by Ark of MU

The top mounting bolt, inside left front fender, for the steering gear box broke off and the box is loose. This causes "bumping" in the steering wheel and loose steering getting worse. How do I remove the steering box to check if it's O.K.? Can I simply drill out the broken bolt and replace or is the broken bolt a symptom of something worse?

Those steering box mounting bolts need to be torqued to spec at regular maintenance intervals. Also, make sure there is no rust weakening the chassis box section to whch the box mounts or snapped steering shaft may result as it did with my 108.

- Peter.