70 Steering box lube

[Warren L.]

When we freshening up my steering box the mechanic told me he would put in gear oil instead of grease on reassembly and that the grease gets pushed off to the side. I did find the grease was thick and the bulk was pushed out of the way.. Once reassembled with oil the box was much smoother.

After 3 or 4 months the oil started to wick down the threads on the large nut at the front of the box. I suspect it was compounded by the car getting pushed out in the winter cold then brought back into a warm garage 4-10 hours later many times.

It makes sense to re do this and put a Teflon paste on the threads or maybe even a Teflon tape (so it does not show) if an oil is used again. Is there some better high tech sealant now or will the Teflon tape or paste suffice? And if so what is the best choice for fluid that will give it the nice smooth action it had which had less friction than the grease?

Thanks,

Warren

[Joe L.]

Re: 70 Steering box lube

Warren-----

For a 63-82 Corvette steering box I would use only the type of lubricant specified for it. That lubricant is a 140 wt chassis lube. This lubricant will provide all the lubrication necessary and I can't imagine that, in reality, that a lighter lubricant will provide "smoother" steering gear action. The steering box should be "full" of the 140 wt gear lube.

[Barry Chappell]

Re: 70 Steering box lube

Not saying this is recommended, however, I filled mine with STP about 25 years ago. No sign of leaks, and the steering works well.(Manual)
It's the original (untouched) steering box.('70)
Barry