steering box is dry
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 3,052
Likes: 0
From: Vancouver BC, Canada
steering box is dry
This all started with trying to eliminate the looseness in my steering system. I figured at worst I'd have to replace the rag joint and adjust the steering box.
After pulling off the rag joint and disconnecting the relay rod, I was able to manually actuate the pitman arm and it felt yucky. It was kind of stiff and felt 'gritty'. Definitely not super smooth, but I have no basis as this is the first steering box I've worked with.
So I opened the top and this is what I found! The thing is bone dry. How should it look? Should it be packed full of grease? Is GM steering lube thick like grease or more viscous like gear oil? Did all of the grease leak out or did it just get old and dry up?
Time for a rebuild kit. What are the chances that the worm gear is toast? I'll try to post time close up pics once I get it out.
[Modified by Turbo-Jet, 1:54 AM 4/26/2004]
After pulling off the rag joint and disconnecting the relay rod, I was able to manually actuate the pitman arm and it felt yucky. It was kind of stiff and felt 'gritty'. Definitely not super smooth, but I have no basis as this is the first steering box I've worked with.
So I opened the top and this is what I found! The thing is bone dry. How should it look? Should it be packed full of grease? Is GM steering lube thick like grease or more viscous like gear oil? Did all of the grease leak out or did it just get old and dry up?
Time for a rebuild kit. What are the chances that the worm gear is toast? I'll try to post time close up pics once I get it out.
[Modified by Turbo-Jet, 1:54 AM 4/26/2004]
Race Director
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 16,945
Likes: 9
Re: steering box is dry (Turbo-Jet)
the grease is really thick and it should be pretty full with it (not topped off or it will blow out all the seals when the grease gets hot) Yours is definitely dry. Most steering boxes have never been servies and the grease has turned into a mud like consistsncy with water and rust as major components.
Here's a shot of what one of my boxes looked like:
YUCK :)
Here's a shot of what one of my boxes looked like:
YUCK :)
Senior Member since 1492
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 87,921
Likes: 156
From: Just because I'm paranoid doesn't mean people aren't out to get me...
St. Jude Donor '09
Re: steering box is dry (Twin_Turbo)
Is there a special "steering box" grease or will simple axle grease work? I'm gonna have to check mine.
Pro
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 672
Likes: 0
From: Quebec
Re: steering box is dry (Twin_Turbo)
Check the Vette Improvement Program article on the http://www.corvettefaq.com under suspension. There's an article about the steering box. They suggest to drill a hole through one of the three bolts of the cover and put a grease fitting.
Stephan
Stephan
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,001
Likes: 112
From: Saginaw Michigan
Re: steering box is dry (American Boy)
The GM part number for the manual gear grease is 12377985. A good quality lithium based chassis grease is an acceptable alternative. Also some members have used a more modern synthetic grease (but I don't have the exact information on it.)
Tech Contributor
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 15,154
Likes: 3,959
From: Connecticut, USA
Re: steering box is dry (Jim Shea)
Looks like every box I've opened up that has been on the car for years.
I use Mobil 1 red auto grease. I know Graingers carries it, not sure who would in your area. How's the side play in the shaft bushings? I just finsihed up the box off my 72 yesterday. I ended up setting the preload at 4in/lbs and the lash at 11-12 inch/lbs.The lash screw gap I shimmed to .0015".
Good luck,
Gary
I use Mobil 1 red auto grease. I know Graingers carries it, not sure who would in your area. How's the side play in the shaft bushings? I just finsihed up the box off my 72 yesterday. I ended up setting the preload at 4in/lbs and the lash at 11-12 inch/lbs.The lash screw gap I shimmed to .0015".
Good luck,
Gary
Race Director
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 16,945
Likes: 9
Re: steering box is dry (Jim Shea)
The GM part number for the manual gear grease is 12377985. A good quality lithium based chassis grease is an acceptable alternative. Also some members have used a more modern synthetic grease (but I don't have the exact information on it.)
[Modified by Twin_Turbo, 7:51 AM 4/26/2004]
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Racer
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 263
Likes: 0
From: Kernersville Nc
Re: steering box is dry (Twin_Turbo)
I just use the same grease as i do with ball joints & tie rods. You take the two bolts on the top of the steering box off and stick a u joint greas gun extension rod in and pump it till it is close to the top of the second bolt hole. Mine was bone dry when i got the car and after i greased it the steering got alot easier (manual).
Eric
Eric
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 26,545
Likes: 46
From: Huntersville NC
Re: steering box is dry (Twin_Turbo)
I used full synthetic 80W90 gear fluid and it made the box much smoother but you have to make real sure the seals are in proper shape or it will leak out.
Race Director
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 16,945
Likes: 9
Re: steering box is dry (MNJack)
what's CL (GL obviously is gear lube) And...service manual?? don't even have tat LOL. All I have is an aim that is still in the cellophane :)
Edit, Chassis Lube....did I win the fridge now?
[Modified by Twin_Turbo, 1:37 AM 5/2/2004]
Edit, Chassis Lube....did I win the fridge now?
[Modified by Twin_Turbo, 1:37 AM 5/2/2004]
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 4,101
Likes: 10
From: NorCal
Re: steering box is dry (Turbo-Jet)
I do something a little different when I deal with these dry, used boxes that are still tight. I mix in a small amount of gear oil into a bunch of moly grease to get the consistency of real creamy peanut butter. then I slather it into the steering box and close it up. Won't leak if your seals are slightly worn and makes for a VERY smooth gearbox. Kinda bubba, but very effective and lasts forever.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 1999
Posts: 6,692
Likes: 29
From: Texas
Re: steering box is dry (Turbo-Jet)
About 100,000 miles ago, my steering gear box was dry - or at least almost - did not take top off, but put alot of Mobil One red gear grease in. No problems 100,000 miles later.
Senior Member since 1492
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 87,921
Likes: 156
From: Just because I'm paranoid doesn't mean people aren't out to get me...
St. Jude Donor '09
Re: steering box is dry (Tom Johnson)
To check the level & fill, do you remove the three bolts and cover plate?
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 30,995
Likes: 98
From: Ontario
Re: steering box is dry (Jughead)
Remove the middle and the top. Fill through the top until you see the lube at the middle hole. That leaves some space for heat expansion. I use a turkey baster to fill.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 2,198
Likes: 2
From: Eastern Connecticut
Re: steering box is dry (paul67)
When I sent mine in for rebuild, to Chip at powersteering.com, he said it was dry, both gears were shot, as well as the pitman shaft. Now it is so much better, I can't believe I waited so long. Joe
