steering box oil seal

[busycoupe]

After I got my 48 coupe running I thought that it would be a good idea to check all of the fluids in it. When I opened the steering box filler the box was dry as a bone. No problem I thought, I just filled it with 90W. I soon discovered why it was dry!

Has anyone had any luck replacing the steering shaft seal without taking the steering box out of the car? The service manual tells how to take the box apart on the bench. Can I disconnect the pitman arm, take the cover off of the box and pull the steering shaft out of the top? If I do, can I then replace the oil seal?

This car is one learning experience!

[Brendan D25]

The old way of doing it was to pump in grease instead of using 90w. Could be a temporary fix. Brendan.

[Normspeed]

I've heard the same thing. Better than no lube at all.

[Guest P15-D24]

You will need to pull the pitman arm off the box with a gear puller. Then pull out the old seal. I used a pair of vice grips to get it out. Install the new seal and reinstall the pitman. Done. Call all be done from below the car without pulling the column or box.

[BobT-47P15]

Regarding filling the box with grease.....I was told that the grease will eventually go off to the sides and not continue to lube so well. So, fixing the seal is the best thing.

[David Mac]

Busycoupe:

Try this http://www.restorationstuff.com/Products/Penrite%20USA%20Online%20Brochure.pdf Penrite Steering box lube. I used it and no more leak. It is very thick lube so it wont seep out but unlike greese it doesn't form a cavity after use.

David Mac