Steering Ball Bearings

I am currently reassembling the steering box on my '53 XK120M FHC. The box was taken apart many years ago and there appear to be missing balls in the ball bearings. There are three "sets" of ball bearings, the upper guide bearing, the lower guide bearing, and of course, the balls that make the steering work, transferring force from the worm on the steering column to the rocker shaft. Question of the month: How many balls are in each one of these bearing assemblies? I believe maybe 14 in each, but purely speculation. The large balls are standard 3/8" diam, readily available, but the small balls are 9/32", where to get? Any help is greatly appreciated. - Scott Selbach

A good bearing shop should be able to provide you with individual ball bearings, though they may have to be ordered from elsewhere. Check your local speedshop or Yellows Pages for bearing sources (I believe U.S. Bearings is a nationwide chain - also check the Web!). I'll consult my manuals for the requisite number of individual ball bearings. Good luck! - Larry Schear, Twin Cam, Inc.

In the Cavicke style of Christmas cheer, I am offering free of charge to anybody with the need: Ball bearing balls - 9/32" diameter - for the steering box on a XK-120 (only) 5/16" diameter - for the seat rails Bearing supply houses sell you a full box (80 cnt) and I only needed 26 for the steering box and 16 for the seat rails. Got the balance of each box left, and although not very expensive, I hate for them to go to waste. Let me know. - Scott Selbach, XK-120M FHC, S680701

If you have any questions or comments send e-mail to: ted@jag-lovers.org
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