Vented steering box
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 4,226
Likes: 643
From: Orange County Ca
Vented steering box
My 69 steering box is not vented. Since it is real close to my headers, it gets real hot. I'm thinking that when it heatsup, it builds up pressure inside, which would contribute to leaking. Are any of the boxes vented? Maybe later models? I am thinking of maybe drilling a small hole through one of the cover bolts. Or, are there any vent plugs/bolts available?
Any thoughts or comments?
Any thoughts or comments?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,001
Likes: 113
From: Saginaw Michigan
If you drill a small hole someplace in the gear it will let air out (as heat expands the grease and air inside the gear). However, it will also allow air and moisture back in (as things cool off).
You need sufficient grease to keep the components inside the gear lubricated. You don't need to have the gear completely filled.
Jim
You need sufficient grease to keep the components inside the gear lubricated. You don't need to have the gear completely filled.
Jim
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,024
Likes: 1
From: AL
if your box is leaking, then it has seal/bushing issues. when they are rebuilt correctly, they last a long time with no significant leak (a very small amount of grease is going to get by the seal, but if you want clean, then just wipe it along with everything else under the hood).
if you're interested in the built up pressure value, then first install a pressure gauge and see. but before that, you could shoot it with an IR gun to get a temp and use P1 / T1 = P2 / T2 to estimate the pressure (of the compressible air space inside the box), e.g., at 250F, p = 6.7 psig. i would expect the actual pressure would be nil, but i don't know for sure.
also don't know where you're going with this, but if you do any tests please post results!!! tkx
if you're interested in the built up pressure value, then first install a pressure gauge and see. but before that, you could shoot it with an IR gun to get a temp and use P1 / T1 = P2 / T2 to estimate the pressure (of the compressible air space inside the box), e.g., at 250F, p = 6.7 psig. i would expect the actual pressure would be nil, but i don't know for sure.
also don't know where you're going with this, but if you do any tests please post results!!! tkx
Last edited by S489; Jul 25, 2007 at 01:35 PM. Reason: fixed equation
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 40,405
Likes: 791
From: Redondo Beach, California
What about adding some header wrapping tape around the pipes near to the steering box? Maybe trying to fabricate some sort of an aluminum shield to shade the steering box? Anyone done this.
I'm going to have this problem with my steering box and also the idler arm.
Thanks
I'm going to have this problem with my steering box and also the idler arm.
Thanks
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,024
Likes: 1
From: AL
clearance will be the problem. BB and SB that i've seen have the tube going by the steering box dimpled already, so no room to add a shield, at least on mine.
some have been touting an adheasive backed reflective film in other threads. you might try this on the steering box, but i don't think that it's an issue if you have the right grease installed. 0.02
some have been touting an adheasive backed reflective film in other threads. you might try this on the steering box, but i don't think that it's an issue if you have the right grease installed. 0.02
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 4,226
Likes: 643
From: Orange County Ca
[QUOTE=68/70Vette;1561221075]What about adding some header wrapping tape around the pipes near to the steering box? Maybe trying to fabricate some sort of an aluminum shield to shade the steering box? Anyone done this.
I'm going to have this problem with my steering box and also the idler arm.
Thanks[/QUOTE
Already have header wrap, and very little clearence for a shield.
I'm going to have this problem with my steering box and also the idler arm.
Thanks[/QUOTE
Already have header wrap, and very little clearence for a shield.
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 4,226
Likes: 643
From: Orange County Ca
if your box is leaking, then it has seal/bushing issues. when they are rebuilt correctly, they last a long time with no significant leak (a very small amount of grease is going to get by the seal, but if you want clean, then just wipe it along with everything else under the hood).
if you're interested in the built up pressure value, then first install a pressure gauge and see. but before that, you could shoot it with an IR gun to get a temp and use P1 / T1 = P2 / T2 to estimate the pressure (of the compressible air space inside the box), e.g., at 250F, p = 6.7 psig. i would expect the actual pressure would be nil, but i don't know for sure.
also don't know where you're going with this, but if you do any tests please post results!!! tkx
if you're interested in the built up pressure value, then first install a pressure gauge and see. but before that, you could shoot it with an IR gun to get a temp and use P1 / T1 = P2 / T2 to estimate the pressure (of the compressible air space inside the box), e.g., at 250F, p = 6.7 psig. i would expect the actual pressure would be nil, but i don't know for sure.
also don't know where you're going with this, but if you do any tests please post results!!! tkx
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Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 4,226
Likes: 643
From: Orange County Ca
If you drill a small hole someplace in the gear it will let air out (as heat expands the grease and air inside the gear). However, it will also allow air and moisture back in (as things cool off).
You need sufficient grease to keep the components inside the gear lubricated. You don't need to have the gear completely filled.
Jim
You need sufficient grease to keep the components inside the gear lubricated. You don't need to have the gear completely filled.
Jim
Anyway, it apears that this is not the correct fix for my problem. I'll try the thicker grease.What would you suggest for a grease level? 1/2 full, 1" down, etc.?
Would you happen to know the part numbers for the seals for a 69?