TR2/3/3A Steering, stator tube compression sleeve?

[RC64]

I'm reinstalling the steering components on my TR-3A and have a question about the "olive" that fits on the end of the stator tub. Among the parts I have is a bag with what appears to be a compression fitting. It's a bit strange though because there is a split in it. If it's supposed to "seal" the bottom end of the box, why would it be split?

It's labeled with the correct Moss # 667-055 for a compression sleeve. I didn't participate in the dis-assembly so I don't know for sure if this part actually came out of my car. Anyone have an opinion as to whether or not this olive, with the split, is correct?



Rick...

 

[TR3driver]

The split appears to be as original, and gets clamped shut when installed. At least, mine has it too and doesn't leak. Well, not much, anyway

I think the split is so you can get it apart next time and reuse the olive. Modern solid olives crush into place and usually cannot be removed without ruining them. They also don't fit the TR3 steering box.

 

[RC64]

That makes sense. Getting it off if necessary would be easier. I bought some of the Penrite steering box lube that seems to be popular around this forum. That's awfully thick stuff, so that probably helps keep it from leaking.

Rick...

 

[TR3driver]

I bought some of the Penrite steering box lube that seems to be popular around this forum.

Not with me. I use Valvoline full synthetic 75W90 gear oil. Certainly it's more prone to leak than the "semi-fluid grease" Penrite, but it's also a better lubricant and that box can use all the help it can get.

I can't say how much of the difference was due to the change in oil, but when I rebuilt the box on my 3A and switched to the GL5 (along with a few other changes), there was a huge improvement in steering effort. Prior to that, I owned a Plymouth Valiant with manual steering where the DPO had filled the steering box with grease, and it drove like a lumberwagon. When I noticed that my biceps were starting to stretch my shirt sleeves, I switched it to gear oil and the steering got a lot lighter as well.

 

[CJD]

I used a dab of pipe sealant when I installed my olive. Like you, I just couldn't imagine a metal seal with a split in it holding fluid. It's still dry after 2 years.