AGR Steering Box Problems (yes another one of these threads, sigh...)

[kevmurray]

It's a Sunday of a long weekend so I thought I'd bounce this off the forum while I wait to call the (re)manufacturer. I have a 72 Skylark (A-body) and just installed an AGR steering box I ordered from Summit. The install was typical, a battle with the rag joint, but it's all in now. Pit man arm straight, steering wheel straight up, wheels more or less straight (I added new UMI tie rod adjusters so they need tweeking, no biggie).

My problem started when I went to connect the pressure hose. I noticed when I removed the plastic shipping plug that there was a little brass fitting in the port that appeared to be on it's side. I have little experience with steering box reman so at first I thought it looked like an olive fitting used in indoor plumbing. I now know it's meant to adapt an o-ring style port to an inverted flare style (new to old). I just flipped it upright and shoved it down with my thumb. I didn't realize at the time that being able to do it with my thumb might be a clue something wasn't right. I now understand Lee sends a little push rod tool with theirs because their aluminum one needs to be gently driven in.

Fast forward to the point where smoke is rolling off my headers. I could see the fluid was coming from the pressure side so I opened it up and the brass fitting was still straight up and looked ok. I was able to scoop it out and snap the photo below. Is there supposed to be an o-ring on the bottom side of the adapter fitting to seal it? If not how does it seal? I live in Canada so just sending it back is not that simple and will cost me a lot (not to mention the loss of time while the season is ending) so if I can avoid it I will.

[andrewb70]

Kevin,

I have an AGR box, but I never installed the little brass fitting because I am using an o-ring to AN6 adapter fitting. As you noted, the brass adapter needs to be pressed in, so either the brass fitting is undersized or the AGR core is worn. My bet is that the adapter is poorly machined.

You can order another adapter, maybe from Lee? Or you can convert your hoses to AN (more expensive but maybe faster).

Andrew

[kevmurray]

...either the brass fitting is undersized or the AGR core is worn. My bet is that the adapter is poorly machined.

Andrew

Hi Andrew, thanks for the reply.
I think you're right. Looking closely at the fitting, it looks like it's old and has a lot of miles on it. There is a dirty film on it and what looks like witness marks from a previous installation (or poor machining as you mentioned). How could something like this make it past QC? Don't they test them?

I guess I will invest in some new hoses to open up my options should I need a new box down the road. What parts did you need to make everything work Andrew?

Does anyone know if there is a hose kit for A-bodies with the metric o-ring fittings or do I have to buy the adapters and AN lines? If I go AN I guess I'll need AN adapters at the pump end too? What hose will stand up to the oil and pump pressure?

[andrewb70]

Kevin,

I can't help you with the power steering pump side, but Earl's makes the appropriate metric o-ring fittings to go in the steering box. For hoses I prefer to go to a local industrial supply store and have them make custom hoses for me. In the civilian world AN fittings are referred to as JIC.

Andrew