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Steering Box lube

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Old Sep 11, 2009 | 04:18 PM
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Default Steering Box lube

I need to add lube to my 79 steering box. I have not been able to find the GM product part number is GM 1# 12377985 which seems to be a grease, all other products I found with Corvette vendors seems to be a oil, The article clearly noted not to use a oil product.
Where can I order that product.

WTBRS 123
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Old Sep 11, 2009 | 04:27 PM
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Chassis lube/grease is what I use. Mobil 1 works fine. (Not the oil, but the chassis grease/lube).
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Old Sep 11, 2009 | 05:01 PM
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Thanks I thought about that. I figured I would give the GM product a try but I'm sure I will do the same.

Thanks again
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Old Sep 11, 2009 | 07:36 PM
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I put synthetic steering gear lube in mine. It will last longer and take the engine compartment heat better without drying out. Just make sure you leave some air-space in the unit when you button it up; it needs to have room for expansion of grease when it heats up.
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Old Sep 11, 2009 | 07:44 PM
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Thanks.
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Old Sep 11, 2009 | 07:45 PM
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I use Mobil1 synthetic grease too.
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Old Sep 11, 2009 | 08:15 PM
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How much air space should I leave? I pulled the bottom bolt and ran a wire in about 11/2 to 2 inches before I hit grease.
Thanks for your help.

wtbrs123
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Old Sep 11, 2009 | 10:13 PM
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For a fresh rebuild the shop manual calls for 11oz. For anything else your guessing.
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Old Sep 11, 2009 | 10:35 PM
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Fill it from the rear bolt hole and let it fill till you see it in the front bolt hole (of the upper cover....leave the 3rd bolt alone). You should probably have 1/2" (or so) of airspace.
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Old Sep 11, 2009 | 11:57 PM
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Good idea to check the steering box lube, a lot of time it gets overlooked and that 25+ year old grease is just caked and useless. PG.
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Old Sep 12, 2009 | 02:20 PM
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Will do, Thanks

WTBRS123
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Old Sep 12, 2009 | 02:25 PM
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Thanks, Its not a rebuild its in service. I just want to top it of so it can last another 30 years.

Thanks again.
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Old Sep 12, 2009 | 04:07 PM
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Lucas "Red N tacky" #2 Fill it to the top or close to it. I do have a vented bolt in the top position. Have never had a overflow issue. Also do not have headers.
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