v12lincoln Posted July 18, 2011 Share Posted July 18, 2011 Well just when I thought everything was fixed and ready to go back together I filled the steering box and the 120 wt, gear oil just leaked right out. The shop manual I have doesnt go into detail on how to repair it so I will ask the buick faithful for some help.Are there any seals in these boxes? Book doesnt show any. This is the last thing I have to fix besides installing a set of trippe lights on the front.Looking forward to driving it soon.Anyone here going to Hot August Nights in Reno this year? I will be up there with my 48 Lincoln Conv. coupe. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
michaelod Posted July 18, 2011 Share Posted July 18, 2011 I am not sure this is the appropriate lubricant for the steering box. Don't recall exactly what was used but I believe it was substantially heavier that this. Perhaps someone else would know for certain what is correct.Thanks, Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark Shaw Posted July 18, 2011 Share Posted July 18, 2011 I use 250W in my steering boxes and rear ends.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
v12lincoln Posted July 18, 2011 Author Share Posted July 18, 2011 I have this one torn apart, had 2 bad seals, Now to get it all cleaned up and get the new seals . I will try some thicker lube when I put it together. It was packed with grease but none was on the gears. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bob Engle Posted July 19, 2011 Share Posted July 19, 2011 It's usually the seal on the bottom where the switch and throttle shafts pass through the gearbox. The original was a piece of cork shaped like a bundt cake. I formed a chunk of neoprene rubber to fit in mine.Bob Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
v12lincoln Posted July 21, 2011 Author Share Posted July 21, 2011 I cut a piece of rubber to fit the bottom at the throttle shaft pass through and found a new seal that fits the pitman arm shaft perfect. its a napa part #13529 These new seals should keep the 90-140 wt gear oil inside without leaking. Lucky for me the bronze bushings are near perfect and no wear on the gears. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RU22 Posted July 21, 2011 Share Posted July 21, 2011 (edited) See if you can find Penrite's special steering box lubehttp://www.penriteoil.com.au/products/classic-car-oil/steering_box_lubricant Edited July 21, 2011 by RU22 (see edit history) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
50jetback Posted July 21, 2011 Share Posted July 21, 2011 I think they refer to the original oil for the steering box as " steam oil " which has the consistency of grease.I use Penrite steering box lube - have to wait for a really hot day to get it to flow from the container into the steering box!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
v12lincoln Posted July 21, 2011 Author Share Posted July 21, 2011 Thanks guys. but with the new style seals there should be no leaking at all as tight as they fit.I have been wrong before but I have to see for myself. In the mean time I will be looking for some of the Penrite steering box lube. I have never seen it out here on the west coast. 90-140wt is the heaviest I could find without using grease. I have club meeting tonight with the HCCA so will ask around and see what others are using. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
michaelod Posted July 21, 2011 Share Posted July 21, 2011 The American distributor is in southern California. Contact them at the following:Restoration Supply CompanyThanks, Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark Shaw Posted July 24, 2011 Share Posted July 24, 2011 Look for Texaco Thuban or Shell Dentax 250W lube oil. It comes in 5 gal. pails. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
v12lincoln Posted July 26, 2011 Author Share Posted July 26, 2011 After putting the steering box together with the new style seals and putting 80 wt oil in it to test for leaks I found one seaping from the top stud. Will use a little sealer on the stud and should be fine. It sure steers easier with the light weight oil in there. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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