Several years ago I changed the much needed steering gearbox oil on my 1950 Chevy. The only oil readily available was SAE 90 synthetic which I used to fill up the box. I wasn't long after the gearbox would start slowly leaking to the point of emptying out withing several weeks on the pitman arm side. I assume it was to the synthetic brand of oil.

What I've read since then is there's a so call packing on that side of the box is it some kind of rope packing or a seal? Can it be replaced without removing the entire gear box?

Is this a common problem?

Could I use a good bearing grease instead of oil for the gearbox?

DR