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.
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.
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?
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.
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..
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
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.
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
Thanx all. And thanx to @Barry Haynes for no ‘greasy box’ jokes… Although, I would use oil, as said, you may have gaps in the grease.
Check the shaft seal isn't leaking. That's where the fluid has gone. Don't use grease, unless you're Baz.
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….
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 ,