[Healeys] Healey gear reduction starter
Bob Spidell
bspidell at comcast.net
Sat Jun 7 16:21:26 MDT 2025
FWIW, I just installed a DWM 'uprated' box--std. ratio--in my BJ8 that I
bought several years ago. It reduced the play (slop) on the steering
wheel before engagement from roughly 1&1/4" to about 1/4" (not much
worse than the R&Ps on my other cars). It took some getting used to,
since with a Healey that tracks true you don't have to do a lot of fine
correction; i.e. it's not a nuisance. It gradually tightens near full
left lock, but on turning to full right lock it binds with about an inch
or so of wheel turn remaining, then 'pops' free. Not what I expected,
but I can live with it. I'd heard of issues from another owner, and
contacted DWM cust. serv. after I bought it and got a call from an
indignant--is there any other kind of Brit ;)--Jeremy Welch, who
basically said he wanted to 'stop the nonsense.' According to Jeremy,
you wouldn't notice these, uh, 'quirks' because stops in the steering
mechanism--I'm not sure what he was referring to, the steering arms
maybe--would prevent a driver from encountering them. But they're there.
Also, the splines on the shaft aren't machined correctly; my adjustable
steering wheel--an aftermarket Derrington-style with a Moto Lita, I
think, hub--slid easily on the OEM shaft but had to be, um, 'encouraged'
to go on the DWM shaft so it's not (easily) adjustable any more (which
is OK since I always drive with the wheel full forward). The DWM outer
sleeve had a bunch of what looked like tool marks on it; made me wonder
if it wasn't salvaged.
I'd held off installing it because it's a PITA job on a BJ8, but
eventually my old box started leaking more than I can tolerate (yes, I
tried Cornhead Grease). Plus, I installed a rebuilt trafficator that I'd
bought a couple years ago; now it cancels crisply in both directions
(for now). From what I've seen, installing R&P on a Healey is a major
task, welding required IIRC, and I've not seen any 'plug and play' kits.
bs
On 6/7/2025 2:03 PM, Jonathan Einhorn wrote:
> Or just replace it with a rack and pinion steering column from an MG
>
> Jon
>
> Jonathan J. Einhorn, Esq.
> Attorney & Counselor at Law
> 129 Whitney Avenue
> New Haven, CT. 06510
> tel: 203-777-3777
> einhornlawoffice at gmail.com
> fax: 203-782-1721
> cell: 203-623-7373
>
>
> On Sat, Jun 7, 2025 at 4:22 PM Robert Markovich via Healeys
> <healeys at autox.team.net> wrote:
>
> AH Spares and I believe Denis Welch offer an upgraded box that is
> promised to be nearly as precise as rack and pinion, with a choice
> of ratios. Also available is a jointed “safety shaft” which seems
> nice provided the horn still works from the steering wheel center
> (a toggle switch a la Sprite on the dash would have to do for the
> turn signals with a jointed shaft).
>
>
> Sent from the all new AOL app for iOS
> <https://apps.apple.com/us/app/aol-news-email-weather-video/id646100661>
>
> On Saturday, June 7, 2025, 2:31 PM, Bob Spidell via Healeys
> <healeys at autox.team.net> wrote:
>
> re: "... the Healey steering box is more closely related to a
> gravel truck than a sports car"
>
> Yep; it's 'worm-and-peg,' not even high-tech recirculating
> ball. Rebuild is doable by a decent shadetree mechanic; hard
> part is getting the whole shaft in and out--a little easier on
> the 4-cyls--and rocker shaft bush has to be correctly
> installed and reamed.
>
> bs
>
> On 6/7/2025 8:13 AM, Harold Manifold wrote:
> Dave,
>
> Not sure where you are located but if you can find a shop that
> repairs highway truck steering boxes they can repair/rebuild
> the Healey steering box. It won't come as a surprise to many
> of us but the Healey steering box is more closely related to a
> gravel truck than a sports car.
>
> Harold
>
>
> On Fri, Jun 6, 2025 at 5:28 PM Richard Kahn via Healeys
> <healeys at autox.team.net> wrote:
>
> I got mine from British Car Specialist. I don’t remember
> the price. I like it. But I got the original rebuilt for a
> few bucks. Now it sits on a shelf awaiting the reduction
> one to fail. The wiring was a little tricky but with the
> help of a friend it is perfect.
> Sent from my iPhone
>
> > On Jun 6, 2025, at 4:31 PM, David Masucci via Healeys
> <healeys at autox.team.net> wrote:
> >
> > Hi Listers,
> >
> > The other day I was looking into the modern gear
> reduction starter for the Healey. On the Moss website the
> total included $319.89 for the starter, $24.99 for
> shipping, and $20.00 for tax. The moss total to my door
> $364.98.
> >
> > I happen to take a look on Amazon for something relating
> to the Healey, and lo and behold, there was the same
> starter (same image even). The starter was listed at
> $241.06, free shipping, and $15.07 for tax. The Amazon
> total to my door $256.16.
> >
> > Your call, but if you’re looking for one of these for
> your big Healey, that’s a savings of $108.85.
> >
> > Just an FYI.
> >
> > BTW, I was looking to see if I could get a better price
> for a rebuilt steering box. No luck on that one.
> >
> > Dave
> >
> > 64 BJ8
> >
> >
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