Turbo-Jet

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]

Twin_Turbo

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 :)

Jughead

Is there a special "steering box" grease or will simple axle grease work? I'm gonna have to check mine.

Twin_Turbo

Yeah, there's a special grease, I don't know the part number but if you ask Jim Shae he should know

American Boy

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

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.)

GTR1999

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

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.


[Modified by Twin_Turbo, 7:51 AM 4/26/2004]

carnut114

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

PRNDL

At the front of my service manual (and yours) is a lubrication diagram. I inadvertently read "CL" as "GL" and topped off my steering box with (non synthetic) gear oil. Fortunately it didn't leak and no probs. I later squished in some chassis grease after I realized my error. :eek:

mvftw

It looks like it's time to check mine...after 25 years. :eek:

Twin_Turbo

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]

Wrencher

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.

Wrecked82

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.

Tom Johnson

Mine was leaking and I mixed the gear lube with trans-x. It stopped leaking.


[Modified by Tom Johnson, 4:54 PM 4/26/2004]

Jughead

To check the level & fill, do you remove the three bolts and cover plate?

Paul L

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.

joe73vette

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