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Leaking steering box solutions

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Brakin80

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Finally got the steering box and column out of our car (1960 BN7). The bottom oil seal was leaking, so it was time. Opened the box to check everything out and discovered that the rocker shaft (the rod that comes out the bottom of the steering box that the steering lever connects to) was all pitted. It must have sat for some time with no lubricant in it. Even with a new seal in the bottom, the pitting on that shaft would cause it to leak. The solution? We had the shaft spray welded, then machined back down to the proper diameter. Was done in a day, and not that costly. Looks brand new. Got it all back together and installed. Everything is working great. Another solution that was offered to us to fix a leaking steering box was to fill it with grease. Probably not a good idea if you plan on doing cold weather driving (steering would be awfully stiff). But if you live in a warm climate, why not?
 
/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/nonono.gifBrakin 80, If you put grease in the steering box the worm will push it aside and the box will suffer increased wear. Your solution was the best one.However, High pressure lubricants such as STP or Lucas can sometimes be used depending on how damaged the drop shaft is.---Keoke
 
I was told if you fill the box with grease there would grease on the worm. Wheel bearings run in grease. I guess the heat would help it flow when hot, but how does the grease work on cold wheel bearings and not steering boxes??
 
I have heard both arguments for grease in the steering box. I have replaced the seal in mine a number of times, but it has a slow leak. My solution so far has been to add oil about every 2 months! I would be interested to know of some "thicker" type fluid that may stop my small leak.
 
HI ThomP, Originally steering boxes were fitted with grease fittings. However, experience early in the motor industry showed the boxes were failing due to inadequate lubrication,and Hypoid was adopted as a standard.-FWIW---Keoke
 
Klepper, Maybe, Lucas gear oil or STP will solve your problem.---Keoke
 
[ QUOTE ]
...I have replaced the seal in mine a number of times, but it has a slow leak. My solution so far has been to add oil about every 2 months! I would be interested to know of some "thicker" type fluid that may stop my small leak.

[/ QUOTE ]

Some may cringe at the thought of this but I added about a tablespoon of oil stop leak solution to mine (TR3) and it did indeed stop the slow leak. This stuff is made as an engine oil additive and (I think) softens the seals to reduce oil leakage from old seals. In the standard engine dosage of one pint it is about 1:10 so I only used a little in the steering box. Use at your own risk, YMMV, etc.
 
HI Klepper, /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/yesnod.gifThe oil additive "STP" available at most auto supply houses. Lucas Gear Oil is a similar product but of better quality.---Keoke
 
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