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I opened up my steering box and it is dry as a bone. Steering is stiff right now. My question is, should I refill box with standard steering box grease? I have read articles that an older steering box may be filled with wheel bearing grease. Is this recommended? I have heard the only draw back with this method is cold weather.
Thanks,
Lonnie
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Vette(s): #1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/
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Regular wheel bearing grease is fine, just use the lightweight stuff, and not the "Heavy Duty" grease.
One note tho...if the box has been dry and you've been driving it, it may have already done damage that greasing won't fix.
I would suggest a mixture of 90wt gear lube and wheel bearing grease. Put in an ounce or so of gear lube first, then fill with the grease. This will help lube the balls in the gearbox, if they have been run dry.
If it doesn't fix the steering stiffness, you're only out the cost of a little bit of lube, and time.

One note tho...if the box has been dry and you've been driving it, it may have already done damage that greasing won't fix.

If it doesn't fix the steering stiffness, you're only out the cost of a little bit of lube, and time.

Joel Adams
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I think I've only put about 200 miles on it since getting it running, so hopefully not to much damage. I'll do that and let ya know how it works out. Thanks Joel.
Lonnie
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I removed the top of the steering box and cleaned things up a bit. Added about an ounce or so of gear oil and turned the wheel back and forth a few times, packed it full of grease and buttoned it up. Checked play and adjusted the lash. Seems to be a lot smoother. Thanks again Joel.
Lonnie
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in Forum: C3 Engines, Driveline and Handling
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