Steering box lube?

[busycoupe]

I opened the filler on my steering box and discovered that it was bone dry. No problem, I filled it with 90W. About 1/2 hour later I had a big puddle of 90W on the floor, and an empty steering box. --- I'm not sure that I am up for removing the steering column/box right now. Is it possible to replace the seal around the pinion without taking the box out, or can I pump the box full of grease, which will provide some lubrication but hopefully not run out as fast?

[Plymouthy Adams]

I believe the pitman arm seal can be changed rather easily...drill a small hole in the edges say opposite each other..screw in a sheetmetal screws and use these to pull the seal out..screw them in only far enough to catch..don't forget you have a bushing above the seal..

[busycoupe]

Thanks Tim, I will give that a try.

[Suddensix]

I opened the filler on my steering box and discovered that it was bone dry. No problem, I filled it with 90W. About 1/2 hour later I had a big puddle of 90W on the floor, and an empty steering box. --- I'm not sure that I am up for removing the steering column/box right now. Is it possible to replace the seal around the pinion without taking the box out, or can I pump the box full of grease, which will provide some lubrication but hopefully not run out as fast?

Mine leaked badly when I got the car 4 years ago so i filled it with chassis grease and no more leak and the car steers fine.

[BobT-47P15]

I did the same thing a few years ago......filled the box with 90 weight,

and it leaked out fairly soon. So, then I filled it with grease. But....then

someone pointed out that eventually the grease gets thrown to the sides

of the box. Therefore, not doing much lubricating. So....my next thing

will be to put some more 90 weight in and see if the grease makes a better

seal.

[Niel Hoback]

In the late 50's or early 60's the Shell rep told us to use chassis grease in the steering gear because it wouldnt leak out and it did a good job lubing. I've been doing ever since, never had a problem. Fill it up and drive it around some corners, then fill it again and forget it.

[busycoupe]

Thanks! I'll try the grease first. If it doesn't work, I'll try replacing the seal.

Dave

[krodaddy]

You might try some "00" grease like they use in the chaincase on a snapper rear engine mower. That is what my Royal Enfield motorcycle uses in the transmission, I tried 90 wt. gear lube and it leaked all over the place, switched it back to the recomended "00" grease and no more leaks. Shifts fine with either.

I'm getting ready to reassemble the steering gear box on the Cranbrook, I have new seals to install but I think I'll use the grease in mine.

Barry

[Tom Skinner]

Busy Coupe,

I filled mine from empty when I bought it 2 years ago

with 90wt. It leaked out, I filled it again.

It held. The seal must have dried, and was wet/swollen

back to size. No leaks since over a year ago.

I checked it today - Walla - still full.

My advise is to refill it a couple of times and observe.

Tom

[RHDSP15C]

The problem with the steering box is the one UNC bolt that is threaded into the casting, the other two have nuts where they go through the chassis. I spent a lot of money fixing my worn steering box only to find that it immediately dumped the gear oil on first fill. I cured it by a liberal dose of aircraft grade Loctite hydraulic sealer. I don't like to use chassis grease because it doesn't have an EP (extreme pressure) additive like gear oil.

[BobT-47P15]

So, what difference could the additive actually make in driving these

older cars? Just asking cause I don't have a clue about that.

[David Mac]

My steering box leaked also then I heard about Penrite Oil steering box lube. It is made for old vintage cars. It is heavy like grease but pourable and will stay in contact with the gears. More importantly it stopped my leak.

It is sold in the US by Restoration Supply. The below link is the Penrite catalog. Go to page 12.

http://www.restorationstuff.com/Products/Penrite%20USA%20Online%20Brochure.pdf

I hope this helps solve your problem.

David Mac

[BobT-47P15]

That sounds like good stuff David.

I lubed the Plymouth tonight, then checked the steering box.

I had filled it with grease a few years ago....was still fairly full.

Added some more and called it good.