Steering Box Basic Question - 71 Conv

[Peter B.]

Is there any oil that goes into the Steering Box? I have rebuilt everything in my steering system except that. Just curious.

Thanks

[Joe R.]

Re: Steering Box Basic Question - 71 Conv

Peter,

Yes, there is oil in the steering box BUT most people go with grease pumped in with a fitting adapted to a bolt thru the cover. Then the fitting is replaced with the original bolt. You can find some posts recently about what kind of lubricant that is recommended.

It is very important that a high temp modern lubricant is used in the steering box.

Regards,

JR

[Duke W.]

Re: Steering Box Basic Question - 71 Conv

GM used to offer a special grease for the steering box, but it has been discontinued and replaced with their generic EP chassis grease.

For a newly rebuilt dry steering gear, use 14.5 oz. of a full synthetic NGLI #2 EP grease. The box should be essentially completely packed with grease. A full synthetic is preferable in the long run because of the steering gear's proximity to the exhaust manifold. A synthetic grease will hold up to high temperature longer than a conventional mineral oil based grease.

The procedure to add grease while the steering gear is mounted in the car is in your Chassis Service Manual.

Duke

[Harmon C.]

Re: Steering Box Basic Question - 71 Conv

Peter If you removed all the balls you should have reassembled it with grease. I took a class at Bloomington and a high temp lube was all that was used and the case was never filled. Any grease other than on the bearings and seals will do you no good. It's like the old story a drop of oil on the bearing is better than a gllon on the floor. Lyle