Swapping a Borgeson steering box in a 1970 Charger

[68 Sport Satellite]

I've heard about this hissing issue many times. I'm curious to learn why some installations have the hissing sound and others do not. Maybe @BergmanAutoCraft can comment?
My car is the blue car KernDog posted above. Smaller AC pulley, hydraulic cam, Saginaw PS pump with external pump cooler, less than 500 miles since Borgeson box install and no hissing.

 

[BergmanAutoCraft]

This is something I've experienced on an off for several years. I started porting out the fluid passages approx 2 years ago. The flare fittings installed in the pressure side specifically, obstruct most of the port in the casting. We grind this away to improve fluid flow. I know this has dropped fluid temps.

Besides this I don't know why some of the boxes do this. I will mention some potential contributing factors. Some pressure hoses have very rigid rubber. We try to use only Edelman hoses as they are the best available. Modern Dodge Ram Trucks have this issue due to the design of the pressure hose. I'd imagine the use of the lower column bearing would mitigate this due to its surface area. I'd also recommend inspecting ALL of the seals on the column from the mounting gaskets to the seal inside the column, the jacket over the collapsing waffle area of the column housing to the breakaway capsules.

 

[Don selleck]

The box is designed this way. Since the shafts internally make the box narrower, you will not get it to align exactly straight. The curved shoes inside the coupler were designed to articulate so no need to change anything.

thanks good to know

 

[70ChargerRT]

This is something I've experienced on an off for several years. I started porting out the fluid passages approx 2 years ago. The flare fittings installed in the pressure side specifically, obstruct most of the port in the casting. We grind this away to improve fluid flow. I know this has dropped fluid temps.

Besides this I don't know why some of the boxes do this. I will mention some potential contributing factors. Some pressure hoses have very rigid rubber. We try to use only Edelman hoses as they are the best available. Modern Dodge Ram Trucks have this issue due to the design of the pressure hose. I'd imagine the use of the lower column bearing would mitigate this due to its surface area. I'd also recommend inspecting ALL of the seals on the column from the mounting gaskets to the seal inside the column, the jacket over the collapsing waffle area of the column housing to the breakaway capsules.

The new box I got off of you has almost zero hissing and I’m very very happy with it while that old box was very loud. I talked to Borgeson about this along time ago and they recommended me wrapping the steering shaft with something rubber but I can’t remember what it was. He talked about rag joints also not having this issue in other makes.

 

[EARLY B]

Does anyone have a photo of the area that is ported on the box? Is there a diagram or a parts break down of the area on the box that is ported? Are there any repair manuals for this box so One could rebuild this box?

 

[BergmanAutoCraft]

Does anyone have a photo of the area that is ported on the box? Is there a diagram or a parts break down of the area on the box that is ported? Are there any repair manuals for this box so One could rebuild this box?

Its hard to photograph. Look down the pressure port in the center of the brass flare insert. You'll see it. There is no diagram or instructions on a rebuild. Why are you rebuilding, and specifically, what's the issue?

 

[EARLY B]

Its hard to photograph. Look down the pressure port in the center of the brass flare insert. You'll see it. There is no diagram or instructions on a rebuild. Why are you rebuilding, and specifically, what's the issue?

noisy hissing sound and hard to turn at low idle 750 rpm set the idle up to 1000 and its better, but still noisy. I would like to just take the part with the fittings off so it could be ported properly ( the part that is held on with 4 bolts ) If I could get this part off I would send it to you to do the port job.

 

[BergmanAutoCraft]

noisy hissing sound and hard to turn at low idle 750 rpm set the idle up to 1000 and its better, but still noisy. I would like to just take the part with the fittings off so it could be ported properly ( the part that is held on with 4 bolts ) If I could get this part off I would send it to you to do the port job.

The porting will help. You don't need anything special to take it apart. You can send me the whole box, it would be easier. As far as the stiff steering at idle, thats a pump issue. If you want to pursue this further, email me [email protected]

 

[JG71B]

Someone mentioned a rubber sleeve of sorts to soak up the hissing sound. Curious if Plasti Dip for tool handles etc. would work for that to dampen the vibration going up through the column....a lot easier than taking it apart.

 

[JG71B]

The porting will help. You don't need anything special to take it apart. You can send me the whole box, it would be easier. As far as the stiff steering at idle, thats a pump issue. If you want to pursue this further, email me [email protected]

You mentioned a possible pump issue with low rpm steer. I also have this sitting in gear at idle. I bought the drop in kit, is there a fix for this?? Maybe I should shoot you an email also on that

 

[Belvedere408]

O hissing in my box in my 67. About 1500 miles driven since August.

 

[BergmanAutoCraft]

You mentioned a possible pump issue with low rpm steer. I also have this sitting in gear at idle. I bought the drop in kit, is there a fix for this?? Maybe I should shoot you an email also on that

Yes. [email protected]

 

[Mopar Hunter]

Is the hissing sound only on the newer boxes? The ones after 2018?

 

[BergmanAutoCraft]

Is the hissing sound only on the newer boxes? The ones after 2018?

Anyone with individual concerns read what I wrote above. Here it is again.

This is something I've experienced on an off for several years. I started porting out the fluid passages approx 2 years ago. The flare fittings installed in the pressure side specifically, obstruct most of the port in the casting. We grind this away to improve fluid flow. I know this has dropped fluid temps.

Besides this I don't know why some of the boxes do this. I will mention some potential contributing factors. Some pressure hoses have very rigid rubber. We try to use only Edelman hoses as they are the best available. Modern Dodge Ram Trucks have this issue due to the design of the pressure hose. I'd imagine the use of the lower column bearing would mitigate this due to its surface area. I'd also recommend inspecting ALL of the seals on the column from the mounting gaskets to the seal inside the column, the jacket over the collapsing waffle area of the column housing to the breakaway capsules.

Best to email me directly or call. [email protected]

516-384-6438

 

[Mopar Hunter]

Anyone with individual concerns read what I wrote above. Here it is again.

That’s what I get by hitting “jump to new” instead of reading the later posts.

 

[Jonas Nordstrom]

Someone mentioned a rubber sleeve of sorts to soak up the hissing sound. Curious if Plasti Dip for tool handles etc. would work for that to dampen the vibration going up through the column....a lot easier than taking it apart.

Where should it be placed?

 

[KiwiKid72]

Installed mine on '72 Satellite about 8 months ago. Slight hissing that can only be heard with the bonnet up; doesn't bother me.

K-member had the box sitting on that angle which didn't interfere with driveability at all, but did bother me. I slipped a 1/4" washer in to align it perfectly. Car drives like a dream.

 

[JG71B]

Installed mine on '72 Satellite about 8 months ago. Slight hissing that can only be heard with the bonnet up; doesn't bother me.

K-member had the box sitting on that angle which didn't interfere with driveability at all, but did bother me. I slipped a 1/4" washer in to align it perfectly. Car drives like a dream.

I've seen this mentioned several times.....when I try to visualize this, I picture the box not sitting squarely where it is meant to yet, you also say it drives fine. Am I missing something?? Mine sits at a slight angle, enough to barely notice but I will say it drives nicer than my Honda!

 

[BergmanAutoCraft]

I've seen this mentioned several times.....when I try to visualize this, I picture the box not sitting squarely where it is meant to yet, you also say it drives fine. Am I missing something?? Mine sits at a slight angle, enough to barely notice but I will say it drives nicer than my Honda!

When the boxes are purchased from Bergman Auto Craft, I include directions and and FAQ page explaining this is normal. The box is too narrow to be lined up exactly without an offset. The coupler is designed to articulate and plunge. The critical thing is the position of the pitman which has nothing to do with the housing being on a slight angle. Some mopar applications were not straight on either which is why the coupler articulates in the first place.

 

[KiwiKid72]

I've seen this mentioned several times.....when I try to visualize this, I picture the box not sitting squarely where it is meant to yet, you also say it drives fine. Am I missing something?? Mine sits at a slight angle, enough to barely notice but I will say it drives nicer than my Honda!

The factory box sat at the same angle. It's just that the Borgeson box is a lot smaller so the angle is more noticeable in the void where the original box once sat.

There was no noticeable difference driving the car with the Borgeson box on the angle or with it aligned. It was just my OCD needing it straight.