The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Driveline steering gearbox leaking

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

The closest grade self-levelling grease is a farm implement "corn head" (0 grade) grease, as sold by John Deere.

00 grease is the correct specification.

90 wt oil is too thin.
Any weight oil is too thin.

You need a new seal, the packing material is the same thing.

https://www.napaonline.com/en/p/NOS11055

You can change this in the truck if you are careful. Buy two seals and take one back if you don't need it or get lucky and the first one goes right in. They are really thin and bend easy.

You likely have worn bushings, have a helper turn the wheel back and forth while you watch the pitman arm. If there is side to side movement before twisting movement, the bushings are worn. This will cause any type of seal to leak over time.

Get some Corn Head grease from John deere, it will not leak out and it's cheap. Most any dealer with large equipment will have it. The lawn and garden dealers maybe able to order it in or you can purchase online. One tube is enough for one gear box.

Another option for the right grease is Stens transmission grease. For lawnmowers...
Available at your local mower shop.

Stens 00 grade 770-123 would match original spec for steering gear.

https://www.stens.com/770-123-00-grease

DJ,

When I restored my '36 Chevy PU in the 1970s I machined the steering box to accept a very narrow seal for the Pitman shaft. Now 40+ years later it's still containing the 90W gear oil without leaking even a drop. So that's an option in addition to Corn Head Grease.

CV joint grease is something to think about too. Basically the same as corn head grease, you can get it at pretty much any parts store.

What is is NLGI rating of the CV joint grease that you use?
Is it self leveling?

Joe H, Is the NAPA seal you linked for a non-power steering gear? Also I believe that CV joint grease is NGLI 1.

Many are 1 to 1.5 (non self-leveling)

The number is correct, 11055. It fits most all GM manual steering boxes. Not sure why they call out for power steering.

Joe

Anybody used Stens 00? I'm about ready to rebuild my steering box..

Stens 00-grease is the correct grade
It will work fine.