Maval® 98178M - Steering Gear Box

This Maval steering gearbox has the appearance of new. Input and output splines where in good shape and posed no difficulty when reinstalling. The applied paint seems durable with no runs. Caps were provided to protect the supply and return lines from debris and damage. Install these in the old one when returning your core in case these is any residual fluid. (drain first though) There are detailed instructions regarding what is essentially cleaning old fluid out before priming the new gearbox. It makes a special note that there should be no metal particles present in the old fluid. (Checking with a coffee filter or clean napkin) These particles - if present, would cause premature failure of the seals and cause leaks. Replacement of the steering pump is required if these particles are found. Maval tells you these things up front so you won't burn up or otherwise damage a freshly rebuilt unit. Make sure that you purge all the air out of the system. It is a little time consuming - don't rush it. This step is crucial as well. When you are priming the new gearbox - only bump the starter for short bursts with the ignition coil disconnected. You don't want to run the new gearbox or pump with no/low fluid with engine running. Make note of the marks on the reservoir. There is a cold fluid level and a hot level. My unit went in exactly as the OEM one it replaced. It is quiet, smooth and had a good center feel. (i.e., no play - input shaft moves same as output) When removing the old unit, be sure and soak the nuts, bolts and line nuts with Kroil or PB Blaster. (overnight preferably) This will help with removal. Cleaning exposed threads carefully with wire brush or similar will help greatly. Also, line wrenches will help keep you from stripping the line nuts. I bought the crow's foot line wrenches from Harbor freight. (don't over torque when reinstalling) They had good close tolerance with the line nuts. (14mm and 17mm I think, but please check on your own) The only other tool I needed was a pitman arm removal tool. Also Harbor freight. Theirs worked well for my 2003 Xterra 4wd. Follow the shop manual to your specific vehicle regarding all of these procedures. I have intended these tips to help those who have some knowledge of automotive systems. YouTube was a valuable asset to me as well. I have no doubt that Maval have gone through the remanufacturing process very carefully to make sure each aspect is brought back to factory specs. Unit is working better than ever, and has given my truck a nice responsive steering again. This unit was proudly remanufactured in the USA which matters to me. Thanks to CARiD and Maval for helping me keep my truck on the road.