Burman Rebuild Update and Questions

[jcorbs]

Hi Folks:

Some of you might remember that I posted some questions about my new 74's steering, which was VERY heavy.

Anyway, I lifted the car off of its front wheels, and when the problem continued, pulled the box.

It had previously cracked just before being sold to me and the PO had welded it and reassembled. What a mess......loose and Ace hardware style bolts, plates starting to come away, a broken bolt end IN the box, butchered plate where it links to the u-joint........and multiple new cracks in the casing.

In the meantime I found another burman off of a spider and have been putting together the bits to rebuild it and fit it to the gtv.

All was going well until I really got serious about cleaning the casing and scrapping off the old gaskets/shims..........

I've now found hairline cracks around the bolt holes at both ends of the bearing holes where the steering shaft is carried (the "horizontal" shaft).

So.........

1. I assume that these if ignored will further deteriorate and cause a failure...not good because I plan to track the car?

2. If I find a talented welder, could he weld these up without distorting the casing?

3. Where the heck can I find another box or casing in good condition? All the others on e-bay are Spider ZFs.

4. Any other suggestions for non-US sources.

Sorry for the rant, but I've yet to drive the car more than a mile and I've had it now for three months.

John Corbs

[genericwood]

John, as you have found, Burman boxes are getting harder to find. One reason is that more than a few have broken! You may want to give Jim Steck (Alfa Romeo Performance Engines) a call. Jim really knows these boxes and has fabricated pieces to strengthen the box.

Erik

[jcorbs]

Quote:

Originally Posted by genericwood John, as you have found, Burman boxes are getting harder to find. One reason is that more than a few have broken! You may want to give Jim Steck (Alfa Romeo Performance Engines) a call. Jim really knows these boxes and has fabricated pieces to strengthen the box. Erik

[matsalleh76]

John,

What was the result of your query to AR Performance on Burman box reinforcement? Do they still do/sell the reinforcement components? Do they do an exchange rebuild/reinforcement service? Please fill the rest of us in.......and save us pestering them for the same info.

Thanks & regards,
bobf.

[jcorbs]

Hi Bob:

Jim indicated that he would be happy to do the mod for me. I have not yet got a spare box to send to him.

John Corbs

[Rich]

Hi John,

Papajam has posted on the BB a bulletin sent out by alfa romeo in the 70's and shows you how to align the steering box (once repaired) when installing. I can't find it now, but i will do a search for you when i get back home.
Maybe someone can post it again or post a link.

Rich

[Bleusoge]

You can always buy a new one here:
victorparts.com

Not cheap though, especially with a falling dollar... hurry up?!

[Rich]

OK found it. After you buy and restore the steering box, follow the steps to get the correct alignment when mounting it back on the car.

Burman steering box in roundtail

Rich

[mthomas2911]

John,

I'm just curious but is there any reason why you don't want to use a ZF unit?

Mark

[jcorbs]

Quote:

Originally Posted by mthomas2911 John, I'm just curious but is there any reason why you don't want to use a ZF unit? Mark

[vml]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bleusoge You can always buy a new one here: victorparts.com Not cheap though, especially with a falling dollar... hurry up?!