Technical Steering box fill

[JumpJet]

So I’ve got the steering box off for a rebuild, but cannot, for the life of me, get the drain/fill plug out. I’ve already slightly rounded the stupid square head. What a terrible design. Anyone have any tricks for getting this thing out? I’m afraid to round it more and just based on looks, am hesitant to try and easy out. Heat perhaps.

Otherwise, I might have to fill it by removing the top cover or some such.

Ideas? Thanks!

 

[timmycm850]

Try heating the plug and allowing it to cool. And put release oil on when hot.

Tighten the plug in a vice and move the casing to tighten and loosen the plug.

Basically you are changing the focus.

Tim

 

[JumpJet]

I tried the heat and generous applications of Aerokroil, but no dice. Rather than wait a few days to figure a machine shop solution, I just filled it through the top cover prior to buttoning it back up. With new seals, gaskets, and some thick steering box lube by Penrite, I don’t think I’ll need to be doing this again anytime soon. It’s primed and will get a top coat tomorrow.

 

[F123C]

Too late now, but for anyone facing this problem in the future, there used to be a Fiat special tool - a wrench with an 8mm square hole in one end .
I suppose you copy this by drilling an 8mm hole in a length of flat bar and filing it out to an 8mm square?

I haven't seen an 8mm square socket but 5/16" square is very close (0.313" vs 0.315"), iirc 5/16" square sockets used to be found in older socket sets also afaik are used in Refrigeration work?

Or just do as timmycm850 suggests and avoid damaging the plug in the first place.

Al.

 

[plasticpig1972]

A "Stilson" wrench will do the job no problem. They tighten as you put more pressure.
Alan

 

[F123C]

You could also try an adjustable 'tap-wrench'/'tap-handle' - this is designed to turn square items without causing damage...

Al.

 

[The Whitakers]

Too late now, but for anyone facing this problem in the future, there used to be a Fiat special tool - a wrench with an 8mm square hole in one end .
Al.

Strangely enough I have 2 in my toolbox that came from some old tools my father had, He's never owned a fiat but from memory he used to used them on car brake adjusters...…..


I had to modify one of them as I coudnt get them to fit due to the length of the spanner and how the hole was in relation to the nut. Chopped the end off and rewelded it on with a 90 degree spin on it......worked a breeze


In relation to filling the box with oil a used my one man brake bleeding kit in a slightly different way, filled it up nicely