What grease/oil to use in 63 steering box

[Domenic T.]

Re: What grease/oil to use in 63 steering box

Joe,
Now that you mention that (even at the dealership), I remember pouring it in with a small funnel. Grease jobs back then were a fluid check also.
Many mechanics didn't check that gear box. I also remember a check list that went with a grease job. I wasn't on the lube, exhaust, or tune up rack as it was a job that was given to favored mechanics. But the GM flat rate included a tune up with major jobs and grease jobs were also attached to some work orders. Also there was a lube that was squished on all the rubber bushings to keep them from squeaking. That was a looong time ago.

Dom

[Dan B.]

Re: What grease/oil to use in 63 steering box

Do not use Mobil 1 in a box, I have had several weep out the red oil from it. It doesn't take much heat to cause it to come out the seals or past sealed threads. Granted I used Mobil 1 grease in hundreds of vette boxes with only 3-4 leakers but 3-4 is too much. I switched over to Coastal bearing grease several years ago and haven't had one leak yet. I stopped using Mobil 1 on rear bearings, ball joints, rod ends for the same reason.

Another good grease is Lucas Red & Tacky.

More importantly is the condition of the gears and the proper setup of the box.

Gary, that's interesting to hear, Mobil 1 is rated to 350*. I used it in my rear wheel bearings and lot's of other spots (but not in the steering box) and never noticed any leaks. I've seen the Lucas red tacky stuff on the shelf, I'll check it out. Dan

[Gary R.]

Re: What grease/oil to use in 63 steering box

Gary, that's interesting to hear, Mobil 1 is rated to 350*. I used it in my rear wheel bearings and lot's of other spots (but not in the steering box) and never noticed any leaks. I've seen the Lucas red tacky stuff on the shelf, I'll check it out. Dan

Hi Dan
Well most of the boxes I used it in were fine, my own included, but enough to cause a problem. The grease is not going to thin out and run out of the box drying it out but there will be enough of the red oil to make a mess and get guys upset.

[Joe L.]

Re: What grease/oil to use in 63 steering box

Joe,
Now that you mention that (even at the dealership), I remember pouring it in with a small funnel.

Dom-------


Then, you KNOW that what you were using was the GM #1052182 (or equivalent). That you could add to the steering box with a funnel. The correct GM #1052084, NO WAY!

[Anthony P.]

Re: What grease/oil to use in 63 steering box

Gary how much grease do you use on a box when you rebuild it? maybe 10-12 ounces? just wan to make sure I don't overfill it, you know the saying "if a little is good more must be better"

[Gary R.]

Re: What grease/oil to use in 63 steering box

Gary how much grease do you use on a box when you rebuild it? maybe 10-12 ounces? just wan to make sure I don't overfill it, you know the saying "if a little is good more must be better"

Hi Tony
I have the cover off when I repack the boxes, so I work the new grease in around the worm at one end of travel then move it to the other and pack it again. I leave the grease just over the teeth with an air pocket. With the 63-68 boxes the cover is flat but the 69-82 aluminum covers have a raised surface.

If you are adding the grease in through the cover bolt hole or with a zerk bolt it will be hard to tell if there is old grease in the box. The method of watching the other cover bolt hole for grease isn't reliable. If the box is empty it should take close to a full tube of grease.

[Anthony P.]

Re: What grease/oil to use in 63 steering box

Great thanks! yes I have the top off and removed as much old grease as possible with a slurppy spoon! I will fill as you say, thanks again

PS I did find the Coastal uni-plex grease at autozone!