TR2/3/3A Steering Box Capacity

[BobbyO]

I'm attempting to fill the steering box on my '61 TR3A through the rubber plug hole in the steering column. How much oil should I expect to have to add to reach full capacity? Not knowing how full (or empty) the steering box was at the start I would like to know the maximum so I can add a little at a time and not get too much spill. The steering box capacity is one of the capacities not listed in the shop manual.

 

[charleyf]

I would say between one and two cups. Likely closer to the one cup.
Charley

 

[Geo Hahn]

Depending on what you are filling it with - that can be a slow process in chilly weather.

One thing I found makes it fill a bit faster is to have the front end jacked up to get the wheels off the ground, then work the steering wheel left & right to help the lube work down from the little column hole.

 

[karls59tr]

On a lighter note......they say if the steering box isn't leaking there's no oil in it!:highly_amused:

 

[BobbyO]

On the lighter note, isn't that about all the places where there's oil? I read some old post that said they started with a 500ml container and had "some" left over but no one ever said how much "some" was. I'm using 80W-90 gear oil and have added 100ml so far. Let it sit over night to see the results and will add more today if needed. Getting the wheels off the ground so I can move them sounds like a good idea. I'll post my results later.

 

[sp53]

I found removing the driver side horn makes the access in that area much better. I would suggest, depending on how clean you keep the area, to get some Simple Green or something and clean the area good to see if you are leaking fluid. Often it is the seal on the bottom on the arm, but sometimes the only problem is the brass olive and nut on the end are lose. Once tightened the seal on the olive seals again and you are good to go.

 

[BobbyO]

Thanks for the suggestion. I had already removed the driver side horn because when I added more oil I started getting a leak that seemed to be coming from the top. Luckily I have a couple of spare steering columns so I removed the top of one to see what it entailed; then removed the top of the installed steering box. No wonder it was leaking. I had not noticed when I installed the steering column but the top left (from the driver's seat) portion of the cover was bent upward approximately 3/16 inch between the two attaching bolts. Don't have a clue how that would/could have happened. That's thick metal. Anyway, I installed a spare top, added oil and am now waiting to see if it will still leak. I would estimate that starting from empty, the capacity of the steering box is about 175ml.

 

[sp53]

Hopefully the peg was not trying to get out. I have seen some really bent pegs at the top. Be careful of moving the steering with the cover off because the peg wants to pop out and down and can/will chip the worm gear—don’t ask how I know.