Is there a way to repair my frame?

Tiny
KCOX1202
  • MEMBER
  • 1990 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN
I have a 1990 chevy suburban 1500. Three of the bolt holes that are used to attach the power steering gear box to the frame are broken out. I had to use oversized washers to semi secure the gear box back to the frame. Is there a way to fix this or is that something thats not repairable?
Monday, January 23rd, 2012 AT 9:52 AM

6 Replies

Tiny
WRENCHTECH
  • MECHANIC
  • 20,761 POSTS
I suspect there is more to this than you are explaining since the steering box is not a stress point that would have simply torn without collision, rust or some other reason.
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Monday, January 23rd, 2012 AT 10:51 AM
Tiny
KCOX1202
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Ive had the vehicle for 2 and a half yrs and I bought it used so I honestly dont know what its been through but what ive told you is whats happened to it since its been in my possesion. I havent wrecked it and as far as I can tell there isnt a rust issue only normal driving conditions. What I want to know is if I could have the frame patched up or would it not be a good idea to put any type of heat on it?
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Monday, January 23rd, 2012 AT 1:21 PM
Tiny
WRENCHTECH
  • MECHANIC
  • 20,761 POSTS
"Patching" frames is not an acceptable repair. I have no idea what happened here.
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Monday, January 23rd, 2012 AT 3:50 PM
Tiny
HYAEGER
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
This is a very common problem with 1/2 tons. Especially with trucks running oversize tires.

Aftermarket weld on brackets are available to repair the frame in this area.
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Thursday, June 14th, 2012 AT 6:02 AM
Tiny
JMILLER2887
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
I am having an issue similar to this and Hyaeger, anyone have any other ideas?
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Monday, June 12th, 2017 AT 6:27 PM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 54,137 POSTS
Hello,

Yes this is a common problem with many SUV's and trucks. I have seen where a plate can be bolted to the frame to rebuild the area and make fresh bolt holes for the steering box. Many off road modification places can help in the fabrication or check out this link

https://www.google.com/search?q=suburban+sterring+box+frame+repiar&oq=suburban+steering+box+frame+repair&aqs=chrome..69i57.11983j0j7&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8#q=suburban+steering+box+frame+repair

Please let us know what happens.

Cheers, Ken

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Thursday, June 15th, 2017 AT 11:49 AM

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