Steering Box Leaks ??

[55 Fargo]

Hi all, as steering box leaks are probably fairly common, I am starting this thread, to see what some have done, whatn some repair procedures are, and whether using very thick lube or grease is a viable solution.

Now my steering box leaks like a sieve, and the leaking is from the topfront case gasket, do not see a whole lot from shaft seal.

Can this stering box case gasket be rplaced, by just unbolting the cover,and installing a new gasket, while it is still incar.

My steering box is noit bad, a bit of play, but certainly not too bad.

So what have some of you done to deal witha leaking steering gear?

PS I ahve done the searches, does not seem to be that much on here about this topic..........Fred

[Jim Saraceno]

My steering box leaks at the seal at the bottom of the shaft. I replaced it and it still leaks so I filled the box up with grease. I've been considering tapping a hole for a grease fitting but have yet to do that.

[55 Fargo]

Thanx Jim, that's what I am currently doing.

I do know the shaft seals on these boxes do leak, mine is leaking what looks to be the most on the front case gasket.

I am also currently using grease....Fred

[aero3113]

How big of a job is it to change the rubber pads between the steering box and frame? Can you just unbolt, pull out the old and install the new?

[55 Fargo]

How big of a job is it to change the rubber pads between the steering box and frame? Can you just unbolt, pull out the old and install the new?

I have never tried Aero, but don't see why not, if there is enough clearance.

I am going to change my rear motor mounts in car, with everything in place if I can, just need to lift the back of the engine a bit, might need to pul trans and driveshaft, though.

[martybose]

How big of a job is it to change the rubber pads between the steering box and frame? Can you just unbolt, pull out the old and install the new?

That's pretty much it. There's actually a pair of gaskets. I changed mine while the car was on jackstands, and found out the hard way that the frame rails are full of dirt that goes everywhere when you pull the three bolts out. It was a little tough getting the steering column to let you line up the bolt holes, but it's manageable. Other than that, no big deal.

Marty

[BobT-47P15]

My steering box leaks at the seal at the bottom of the shaft. I replaced it and it still leaks so I filled the box up with grease. I've been considering tapping a hole for a grease fitting but have yet to do that.

They say the grease gets thrown to the bottom and sides of the box

eventually as the worm gear turns. I suppose, however, if you kept

filling on the box, maybe there would get to be enough grease to cover

everything all the time.

Mine leaks.....I put some grease in it......but haven't checked on it

lately. Guess I should do that. Have several chores to do to the

car when it ever gets warmer.

[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/RSC%20PenriteLR.pdf

I hope this helps solve your problem.

David Mac

[55 Fargo]

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/RSC%20PenriteLR.pdf

I hope this helps solve your problem.

David Mac

Hi David, I have heard of this product. I did use a mix of greae and gearlube, into a purable viscosity, still a lot leaked out. This was a recipe from member Tim Adams. On my steering box, it is also leaking from the case gasket, somaybe nothing but grease would leak out.....Fred

[aero3113]

That's pretty much it. There's actually a pair of gaskets. I changed mine while the car was on jackstands, and found out the hard way that the frame rails are full of dirt that goes everywhere when you pull the three bolts out. It was a little tough getting the steering column to let you line up the bolt holes, but it's manageable. Other than that, no big deal.

Marty

Marty,are you saying the rubber parts are the gaskets or there are gaskets also. If so do you have any part #'s

[David Mac]

Rockwood:

According to the web site the Steering Box lube is 1200W so it is pretty thick. The problem with using grease, as I understand it, after using the steering a cavity is created around the gears so the grease doesn't touch the gears after awhile.

If I remember correctly the consistency of the lube was similar to STP treatment, It was really thick. SO maybe your home brew wasn't thick enough. Just a thought

David Mac

[Plymouthy Adams]

The consistency of the lube I suggested and mixed myself is that of constant velocity joint lube...if that stuff gets out of your gear box..you are in need of some serious inspection and repair..time to roll the sleeves up and dig in..

[David Mac]

I would second that assessment Tim.

David Mac

[55 Fargo]

The consistency of the lube I suggested and mixed myself is that of constant velocity joint lube...if that stuff gets out of your gear box..you are in need of some serious inspection and repair..time to roll the sleeves up and dig in..

Hi Tim, I agreee, time for this box to get overhauled and sewn back up.

I do have some of the lube and grease still in the case, lots did leak out over winter, so will keep adding the thick stuff, till I can pull this box out for work. I have a spare box on parts car, maybe wil pull it for rebuilding, then doa clean swap........gonna try STP, and grease to refill

[DLK]

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/RSC%20PenriteLR.pdf

I hope this helps solve your problem.

David Mac

I second David's comments. The Penrite product stopped my leaks and unlike grease it pours, although it is thick.

[martybose]

Marty,are you saying the rubber parts are the gaskets or there are gaskets also. If so do you have any part #'s

I'm at work, so don't have access to part numbers. They are rubber pads that are a left/right pair. If you go on eBay there is a guy in Turkey who sells new ones quite often; that's who I got mine from.

Marty

[Merle Coggins]

I second David's comments. The Penrite product stopped my leaks and unlike grease it pours, although it is thick.

From the research I did, the Pennrite steering gear oil is equivelent to a 00 grade grease. It is a type of simi-fluid grease that is pourable. I also read that 00 grease is often available at lawn and garden equipment dealers as it is used in garden tractor gear boxes. I was planning to get some for my steering gear box, but I haven't got a round-tuit yet.

Merle

[aero3113]

Steel Rubber wants $90.40 for the steering housing to frame insulators

https://secure.steelerubber.com/

And Birnbaum wants $35.00

http://www.oldmoparts.com/s.htm

I went with Burnbaum because of the cost. I figure they will be better than what is on the car now even if the quality is not that good. I will give an update when I receive them.