Dear All,
After removing the upper and lower steering columns, I have now removed the steering box (see photos in next post). It’s marked Birmal 2SB 2386. Is this a Burmann 1 or 2?
Since my car already has been converted to electrical steering, I would like to replace the steering box by a manual version. Which versions would be plug-in compatible so no mods on the subframe are needed and I can reuse the lower steering column? Could any of you sell me such a unit for me to get reconditioned or recommend a source?
Regards,
Dave
PS I can provide details of the electrical steering if there is interest…

 

 

That is the Burman "first type" power steering box in Jaguar Speak.

 

Well known for distorting it's top cover until they changed the material to cast iron.

 

I would consider the high ratio box made by ICS. Keep the Pitman arm from the present box.
Jaguar Mk1 & Mk2 Close Ratio Steering Boxes

 

Spot on Peter. With electric steering assistance it cuts down on a hell of a lot of steering wheel twirling. How many turns was a Mk2 lock to lock with manual steering? Something ridiculous.

 

With the car off the ground, I've just counted 4 1/4 turns lock to lock. Some authors people have mentioned 4 1/2 or 5 turns, but I think the extra quarter or half is taking up compliance in the system rather than turning the front wheels. To be fair, the car has a decent turning circle (if you manage to turn the wheels that far). I seem to remember that Burman type 1, as Dave has, might have been even more low geared than the manual system. The only engineering reason I can think of for that is because the early PAS systems relied on 'lost motion' rather than a torsion bar to valve the input of power assistance and lower gearing makes the lost motion less disturbing to the driver.

 

I’ve had contact with ICS. They say they only recondition the Burmann steering boxes. That’s why I’m looking for a used manual box.

What is the difference between the LHD and RHD Burmann manual boxes? Perhaps I could spread my search.

Dave

 

The difference lies in the mounting.

 

4 & 1/4 turns is bad enough. I think the higher numbers applied more to the Mk1 3.4 but could well be wrong. The car does have a decent turning circle.

 

The Burman first type did have lower gearing. Best was the Varamatic at approx 2.7 turns lock to lock.

 

I take it that means, you need to find an old box for ICS to put their special worm and nut in. I guess that means resorting to eBay or the German Jaguar clubs? Transport from the USA would probably be expensive. RHD and LHD cases are mirror images so I don't see a possibility of converting one to the other.

 

Thanks for the inputs so far.
Could anyone comment whether a manual LHD box either Burmann Version 1 or 2 would be plug-in compatible? That means same mounting holes and position of the input spline shaft?

 

Prior to the introduction of Varamatic PAS (i.e. after the first few 340 cars) on the Mk2, all cars had the same front subframe. As such, a Burman manual should bolt on to the subframe in place of a Burman power box. If possible (i.e. if the splines on the shaft match and I can't imagine that they wouldn't), I would use your present steering linkages, Pitman (drop) arm, idler arm, etc.

 

According to the figures in other posts, the „first type“ is shown with the oil outlet in the downwards direction. My box has the outlet in the upwards direction. Is my box non-standard or have I missed something?

Dave

 

Depends on how the end plate is mounted. I assure you that is a Burman first type. Consult the Jaguar Service Manuals.
Here is S Type Manual which shows both. The short pipe is the first giveaway. The Second Type has a far longer pipe from top to front of box.

http://www.jagstyperegister.com/imag...vicemanual.pdf

 

Otherwise yours is a freak/non standard. As I mentioned earlier modifications were made to the "first type" to stop the top from warping & leaking.

 

First Type Burman in it's variations.




Second Type Burman with torsion bar & quill valve. It is marked HALE on it's body.

 

Here is an iteration of the First Type with the outlet facing up. Prior to cast iron top to stop distortion. The second ring is hidden photographed from this angle.

 

Here is a "Second Type" with HALE shown on it. (one of my three)