Steering box lube

Discussion in '1947-1954' started by JW 54, Nov 17, 2009.

  1. JW 54

    JW 54 Member

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    Location:
    Cypress Texas
    I just checked the level of the oil in my steering box for the first time and and the oil in it is very thick. Like molasses. I poked a long zip tie into it and removed some very thick stuff like grease out of it. Should I be concerned with this? If so how should I proceed?
     
  2. vwnate1

    vwnate1 Member

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    This is a *very* good and important question ! .

    No worries about the molasses in there now , just jack up the front end so wheels are off the ground , fill it to the top with gear oil then turn the steering wheel full lock , left to right and back again , after a while the oil level will go down as it gets forced to mix with the stiff stuff , top it up again and repeat until it no longer drops , then you're good to go .

    This is a Saginaw recirculating ball typ of gear so grease will wreck it , never , EVER put grease in a steering box ! .

    You can use STP or Bardahl , any typ of thick oil if it leaks profusely but NO GREASE ! .
     
  3. JW 54

    JW 54 Member

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    Location:
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    Thanks Nate. Glad to hear I don't have to clean out steering box, I would'nt know where to start I don't see any type of drain plug on it.
    Jerry
     
  4. vwnate1

    vwnate1 Member

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    Easy - Peasy

    You'll be happy to learn that almost everything on these fine old trucks is this simple to service or repair...
     

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