C1 Steering Box Lubricant?
 

Just curious as to what kind/type of lubricant should be used in the steering box on my 59?

Re: C1 Steering Box Lubricant? (dale3in98)
 

Recommend a EP Moly Grease such as Pennzoil Multi Purpose #302. Try to remove as much as possible of the old grease/lube. CC sells a "kit" to use a grease gun (includes a zerk fitting on a threaded stud that you use to replace one of the cover bolts).

Plasticman

Re: C1 Steering Box Lubricant? (Plasticman)
 

:iagree:

I learned one reason why not to use something like 85W90 gear lube.

I rebuilt the steering box in my '60 a couple of years ago, and filled it with gear lube. A few months later my wife and I went to Corvette Weekend at Eureka Springs. On the poker run I got into it, and ran it through the gears, while leaving one of the check points. We drove up a somewhat steep incline and parked for a while. Shortly after leaving that stop, I noticed oil on my foot and on the floor mat. I thought the oil line going to the oil pressure gauge had broken, but that was not the case. After some investigation, I discovered that it was gear oil on the floor. When I had run it through the gears, enough lubricant crept up the steering column housing, and driving up that incline somewhat slowly allowed the gear oil to drip from the opening through which the turn signal switch wires pass.

I drained the gear oil out of the steering box and replaced it with grease as suggested above. I have not had any problems with the grease. :cool: :cool:

Re: C1 Steering Box Lubricant? (1COOL60)
 

Thanks for the info. My first thought was gear oil, but I wanted to get some forum help/suggestions first...glad I did.

Re: C1 Steering Box Lubricant? (dale3in98)
 

I filled my gear box with 80w90 gear lube only to find the seal leaks and I have gear lube all over the frame. I'm not looking forward to replacing the seal. If I replace the gear lube with grease will the seal hold the grease in or will I still have a constant mess?

Re: C1 Steering Box Lubricant? (GEM '62)
 

That's the biggest reason folks have gone to the grease vs the gear oil. I think there was even a GM tech bulletin on this back in the 60's. If your seal is not completely trashed, you should have very little mess with the grease. In any event you will have a lot less mess and you won't be running your steering gear dry. Go for it! :auto:

Re: C1 Steering Box Lubricant? (dale3in98)
 

You may wish to consider this suggestion from the C3 Forum.

The correct Corvette steering gear lubricant is GM #12377985 available from GM dealers. Or use a good grade of lithium based grease (ball joint grease in a tube.) Do NOT overfill the gear with grease. You need air pockets inside the gear to allow for grease expansion with increases in underhood temperatures. (The expansion can actually blow out the pitman shaft and/or input shaft seal(s).

Re: C1 Steering Box Lubricant? (paul67)
 

The recommended lube for C1-C2-C3 steering gears ever since the Dealer Service Letter was issued in 1958 (to replace the original steering gear lube with chassis grease due to seal leakage and "traveling" up the C1 steering column) has been EP chassis grease. :thumbs:

Re: C1 Steering Box Lubricant? (GEM '62)
 

GEM'62'

Recently went through your same scenario with my '67 coupe. Took out the 80X90 gear lube and replaced it with the correct grease. No leaks! It's worth the try :yesnod:

Re: C1 Steering Box Lubricant? (dale3in98)
 

I used Contant Velocity grease in my box. It turns smooth and so far no problems. I fiqured if it is tough enough for the CV axles driving a car it should be good enough for the steering gears.