I had to remove the input shaft plate on the steering box to replace the seal that was leaking badly. I didn't know I would soon have ball bearings cascading out all over the workbench and floor. Now my friend with 30 years as a mechanic & a repair shop owner can't get it back together. Hayne's Manual not helpful. It seems when it's assembled, it's too long to get the input shaft plate on (?). Any suggestions?

 

Is this a manual or power steering box ?
With all the loose *****, it must be PAS.

Some photos would be great.

 

The ***** are different colours. Install alternately. One silver, one black, one silver etc.

 

 

Glyn, the ***** in my PAS box may have been different colours at one time, but how ever Jaguar coloured them, it was pretty much gone.
I measured them at random until I found a small one and locked the micrometer.
The big ones would not fit then _ I sorted them with 2 tuna cans marked big and small.

There is a manual box that uses ***** too, so waiting on Marks' answer.

 

Not really a good instructional video. They seem to have some trade secrets they are trying to hide as this appears to be "Here are all the parts and here is one we assembled earlier."

 

Yes, it's not that great, I was just trying to ID the box.
The OP must be busy, or pulling his hair out trying to get the box back together.

 

Mine were still clearly different at 90K miles but one large one small one large is the principle. So measuring is fine as a method.