Steering box squeak…

Discussion in 'Mech Tech' started by Soggz, Aug 8, 2022.

  1. Soggz

    Soggz An inquisitive supporter

    Hi.
    Just when you though…
    My steering box has developed a squeak when both front wheels on the ground. Jacked up, the squeak diminishes.
    The noise is deffo from the box. What could that be please?
    Thanks.
     
  2. mikedjames

    mikedjames Supporter

    How much oil is in the steering box? If it is squeaking, either a rubber seal is dry or the box itself is dry.
    Or the ball joint on the drag link is dry. Metal on rubber, metal on metal, metal on dry plastic can all squeak.

    Or the engine bay mouse that runs in the fan to make it go is taking their summer break up front.
     
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  3. Soggz

    Soggz An inquisitive supporter

    I’ve just took the plug out. The rubber o ring on it fell apart. I think the box itself is dry due to the ring broke.
    What oil goes in the please Mike?
     
  4. Coda

    Coda Supporter

    Not Mike but I'll tell you anyway. I have a bottle of Morris Golden Film AG140 Classic Gear Oil which is recommended for steering boxes. It's going to go in my late box when it's fitted.
     
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  5. mikedjames

    mikedjames Supporter

    I would try and get the two seals for the side and top.. they are standard industrial sizes.
    But you will have the fun with the three leg puller on the output shaft.. loosen nut, dont remove it and then use the puller so it doesnt fly off when it pops off the taper..
     
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  6. Barry Haynes

    Barry Haynes I dance in leopard skin mankini’s

    6 years ago I filled my steering box with grease, I checked it recently and guess what it’s still full of grease ,it can’t leak and the steering is as smooth as @Suss head, I’ll update you in 6 years time :thumbsup:
     
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  7. mikedjames

    mikedjames Supporter

    Six years is peanuts, the lifespan of a modern car where any rubbish engineering still works..

    But you dont actually know that in the middle of a blob of grease there is actually still any grease on the load bearing surfaces (probably OK though). Designed to work with oil not grease..
    Also the grease will harden up with time especially if there are spaces for air to get in, so its still worth replacing from time to time.
     
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  8. Barry Haynes

    Barry Haynes I dance in leopard skin mankini’s

    Cheers Mike, my steering box was leaking like hell and I was too lazy to do a proper repair I thought what the heck I’ll fill it with grease if it works for a year I’ll just replace the box as I said that was 6 years ago
     
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  9. Soggz

    Soggz An inquisitive supporter

    Thanx all. And thanx to @Barry Haynes for no ‘greasy box’ jokes…:thumbsup:
    Although, I would use oil, as said, you may have gaps in the grease.
     
    Last edited: Aug 8, 2022
  10. Any EP 80/90 gear oil. Same as your gearbox.
     
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  11. Soggz

    Soggz An inquisitive supporter

    Great!
    Less expense as I have some of that.
    Thanks.:thumbsup:
     
  12. Check the shaft seal isn't leaking. That's where the fluid has gone. Don't use grease, unless you're Baz.
     
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  13. Soggz

    Soggz An inquisitive supporter

    Ok. The box is still attached to the van.
    I cleaned off around the plug,prised the plug out and filled with the mentioned gearbox oil.
    I will just have to keep an eye out for drips.
    It’s stopped squeaking.
    While I was under there,I did all the grease points on the beam.
    All the weld on it seems fine too,as well,Lasty will be pleased to hear….:thumbsup:
     
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  14. :thumbsup:
     
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  15. Barry Haynes

    Barry Haynes I dance in leopard skin mankini’s

    Live life on the edge fill it with grease what have you got to lose, everyone keeps telling me I’ll have problems well guess what I haven’t , :thumbsup:
     
    Last edited: Aug 8, 2022
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  16. You need a damn good spanking, Baz.
     
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  17. Soggz

    Soggz An inquisitive supporter

    I am @Barry Haynes !
    You havnt seen the state of my welding/beam/van in general,etc,etc…:thumbsup:;)
     
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  18. Barry Haynes

    Barry Haynes I dance in leopard skin mankini’s

    Drive it and enjoy it :thumbsup:
     
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  19. Jack Tatty

    Jack Tatty Supporter and teachers pet

    Don’t tell him that Rich! He comes over all unnecessary!! :eek:
     
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  20. He needs thrashing till his backside is the colour of a fire engine. He'll thank you for it later.
     
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