Steering Box Compatibility Checks

Fitting a replacement steering box is not a particularly difficult job to do, as long as you have purchased the correct part for your car. Here are 5 checks to ensure that you have ordered the correct part.

Match by VIN or Chassis Number

Your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) will give us the exact model and year of your car as it left the factory, and there can be quite large differences in steering specification between models and years.

Count the Input Shaft Splines

The input shaft is the part of the steering box that the steering column attaches to. There are splines on the input shaft that correspond with the steering gear box. You need to count the number of splines on the input shaft of the existing steering gear box and make sure that the replacement steering gear box has the same number of splines.

Check the Steering Ratio

The steering ratio is the number of turns it takes to complete lock-to-lock. This can be changed by fitting a new steering box with a different ratio. However, the new ratio must be suitable for the vehicle’s geometry. For more on this, take a look at https://westernpowersteering.co.uk/steering-parts/box/.

Confirm the Mounting Pattern

Compare the bolt spacing of the new steering box to the existing unit and verify the Drop-arm position(s) for left-hand and right-hand variants. Some models are specific to left-hand or right-hand installations.

Verify Power-Assisted or Manual Variant

This will have fluid passages through it for the power assistance of the steering, whereas a non-assisted steering box would not. Click here for a list of all of our new steering boxes for different vehicle types.

Work through these checks before you buy and you will avoid the most common and costly fitment mistakes.