Steering Box Lubricant
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2005
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From: Bowling Green, Kentucky
Chassis grease. The last GM Part Number I have is # 12377985. About $15 a tube. But I believe GM is discontinuing this product. So pick a different manufacturer is you cannot get.
If box was rebuilt and synthetic was used, then add synthetic from then on. But most of these boxes just have the old dino stuff in them.
You can buy or make an adapter to connect grease gun to steering box fill connection. Paragon probably still sells them. Make sure to also vent box when filling thru second hole.
Larry
If box was rebuilt and synthetic was used, then add synthetic from then on. But most of these boxes just have the old dino stuff in them.
You can buy or make an adapter to connect grease gun to steering box fill connection. Paragon probably still sells them. Make sure to also vent box when filling thru second hole.
Larry
Last edited by Powershift; Jun 15, 2019 at 06:32 PM.
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Melting Slicks
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As I recall, Gary, the guy on this forum that rebuilds a bunch of these and has written articles on rebuilding steering boxes uses Lucas Green (if I recall correctly).
Safety Car
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You can make one yourself with parts from your local hardware store, Lowe's, or Home Depot.
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Due to the Corvette's engine setback the steering gear is very close to the exhaust manifold. For this reason it's subject to a lot of radiant heat that can dry out conventional grease. GM used to offer a special grease for C2/3 steering gears in a ten oz. tube, but it's long discontinued.
Use a full synthetic NGLI #2 grease like Mobil 1. If you are assembling from a complete disassembly and inspection, liberally apply grease as you assemble the ball nut/worm shaft and sector gear/shaft, then pack it near full leaving a small air gap.
Duke
Use a full synthetic NGLI #2 grease like Mobil 1. If you are assembling from a complete disassembly and inspection, liberally apply grease as you assemble the ball nut/worm shaft and sector gear/shaft, then pack it near full leaving a small air gap.
Duke
Last edited by SWCDuke; Jun 16, 2019 at 10:27 AM.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 587
Likes: 351
From: Plymouth MA
C2 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified 2020
Thanks to all for the information.
Will opt for # 2 synthetic.
Chassis Lube:
1. Is there a way to determine which type grease was used, synthetic or regular?
2. If not, can I merely force out the old grease with an application of #2 synthetic?
Thanks again, and Happy Fathers' Day to all Fathers.
Will opt for # 2 synthetic.
Chassis Lube:
1. Is there a way to determine which type grease was used, synthetic or regular?
2. If not, can I merely force out the old grease with an application of #2 synthetic?
Thanks again, and Happy Fathers' Day to all Fathers.
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Thanks to all for the information.
Will opt for # 2 synthetic.
Chassis Lube:
1. Is there a way to determine which type grease was used, synthetic or regular?
2. If not, can I merely force out the old grease with an application of #2 synthetic?
Thanks again, and Happy Fathers' Day to all Fathers.
Will opt for # 2 synthetic.
Chassis Lube:
1. Is there a way to determine which type grease was used, synthetic or regular?
2. If not, can I merely force out the old grease with an application of #2 synthetic?
Thanks again, and Happy Fathers' Day to all Fathers.
Dan
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 11,281
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From: Bowling Green, Kentucky
Thanks to all for the information.
Will opt for # 2 synthetic.
Chassis Lube:
1. Is there a way to determine which type grease was used, synthetic or regular?
2. If not, can I merely force out the old grease with an application of #2 synthetic?
Thanks again, and Happy Fathers' Day to all Fathers.
Will opt for # 2 synthetic.
Chassis Lube:
1. Is there a way to determine which type grease was used, synthetic or regular?
2. If not, can I merely force out the old grease with an application of #2 synthetic?
Thanks again, and Happy Fathers' Day to all Fathers.
Larry
Tech Contributor
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 15,187
Likes: 4,008
From: Connecticut, USA
If the box has never been properly serviced or greased and the expectation is to see a recovery of performance then you need to find grease from a genie in a bottle. This is almost as positive as using a rear bearing grease tool.
If the grease within the box is 10+ years old the best way to approach this is to remove the box, remove the cover, remove whatever is in there from grease to sludge, check the gears for pitting,clean up inside, use new grease- I use Lucas HD green now, install the cover with new gasket, set the lash. This is more involved then pumping in new grease but if that makes anyone feel better go for it as it will make you feel better more then actually doing much for the box. If going as far as outlined then you are better served to rebuild the box since you're almost there disassembling it.
If the grease within the box is 10+ years old the best way to approach this is to remove the box, remove the cover, remove whatever is in there from grease to sludge, check the gears for pitting,clean up inside, use new grease- I use Lucas HD green now, install the cover with new gasket, set the lash. This is more involved then pumping in new grease but if that makes anyone feel better go for it as it will make you feel better more then actually doing much for the box. If going as far as outlined then you are better served to rebuild the box since you're almost there disassembling it.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 587
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From: Plymouth MA
C2 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified 2020
I inspected the steering box more closely.
It appears it has never been serviced.
Although steering is good, I have decided I will pull the steering box, rebuild it, and add the appropriate grease.
Sadly, I never thought to do this all the years I have owned the car.
Lesson learned, albeit late in life
It appears it has never been serviced.
Although steering is good, I have decided I will pull the steering box, rebuild it, and add the appropriate grease.
Sadly, I never thought to do this all the years I have owned the car.
Lesson learned, albeit late in life
Tech Contributor
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 15,187
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From: Connecticut, USA
You will need a 0-30 in/lb dial TW to get it set correctly, a beam wrench is not accurate enough and sure don't go by the old fish scale method, that will not help you. If you have questions along the way let me know and I can coach you. Don't be surprised if the gears are bad.
Good luck
Good luck