Summershandy Posted February 24, 2018 Share Posted February 24, 2018 I loves to change old fluids to new. I've had zero experience with steering gears. Manual doesn't want a change unless unit its disassembled for repairs. Of course, they didn't think their car would still be on the road 64 years later. Yay or nay? Would I be opening a can of worms or gear oil if you will? Just check the level? What you guys think? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JFranklin Posted February 25, 2018 Share Posted February 25, 2018 Just keep adding the recommended fluid, replace it when you open up the unit. usually they leak out enough to add oil. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
C Carl Posted February 25, 2018 Share Posted February 25, 2018 Very good idea , but not just any oil or grease. Semi-fluid 00 grease. Penrite Steering Box Lube is exactly that. - Carl Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PONTIAC1953 Posted February 25, 2018 Share Posted February 25, 2018 just check the level Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Summershandy Posted February 25, 2018 Author Share Posted February 25, 2018 Sounds good to me! Same goes for the rear axle. Not your typical cover on this one. Level check and top up if necessary as the manual states. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JFranklin Posted February 25, 2018 Share Posted February 25, 2018 I wouldn't hesitate recommending a rear axle lube change. There is much more going on in there. Pull the cover and clean it out and use a compatible gear lube that the manufacturer specifies. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Summershandy Posted February 25, 2018 Author Share Posted February 25, 2018 I don't think there's a cover per say. I thought I read somewhere to remove a bottom bolt and the fluid will empty from there. It's not the typical rear diff that I'm familiar with a cover on the backside, so I haven't pursued it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pont35cpe Posted February 25, 2018 Share Posted February 25, 2018 Just be glad your Pontiac is not like my `36 Buick, manual states twice a year to drain rear-end, remove axles and put one tablespoon of gear lube on each axle bearing, re-assemble and fill. I doubt this was ever done. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pont35cpe Posted February 25, 2018 Share Posted February 25, 2018 8 minutes ago, Summershandy said: I don't think there's a cover per say. I thought I read somewhere to remove a bottom bolt and the fluid will empty from there. It's not the typical rear diff that I'm familiar with a cover on the backside, so I haven't pursued it. Some cars the fill hole is located on the side of the third member.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Summershandy Posted February 25, 2018 Author Share Posted February 25, 2018 I was just reading my manual and in the section REMOVAL OF DIFFERENTIAL, step 4. "Drain oil by removing lower differential to housing bolts." I've already seen the filler plug so I'm good there. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Summershandy Posted March 6, 2018 Author Share Posted March 6, 2018 I ended up making a slurry mix out of grease and gear oil. Read up on grease being too thick and straight gear oil may leak if seals are worn. It took more than I thought so it had to be low. This should suffice, way I look at it I'm not doing any performance pylon driving. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grizz Posted April 15, 2018 Share Posted April 15, 2018 On 2/24/2018 at 10:44 PM, C Carl said: Very good idea , but not just any oil or grease. Semi-fluid 00 grease. Penrite Steering Box Lube is exactly that. - Carl Where can this stuff be found? On 3/6/2018 at 8:55 AM, Summershandy said: I ended up making a slurry mix out of grease and gear oil. Read up on grease being too thick and straight gear oil may leak if seals are worn. It took more than I thought so it had to be low. This should suffice, way I look at it I'm not doing any performance pylon driving. Was this for the steering gear? I’ll be filling mine up soon too Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Summershandy Posted April 15, 2018 Author Share Posted April 15, 2018 41 minutes ago, Grizz said: Was this for the steering gear? Yes. I think the pitman arm seal leaks somewhat so I may have to change that out someday. Some guys just shoot straight grease in there. You can read up on the debate about the different viscosities. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
C Carl Posted April 15, 2018 Share Posted April 15, 2018 Hi Grizz ! Out here on the West Coast , Restoration Supply Company in Escondido , CA carries Penrite. You might Google up someone close to you. Along with others , I am quite skeptical of the very heavy Penrite engine oils. Low detergent seems to be counter to modern thinking also. I am obsessive about using full synthetic engine oil , and all other lubricants. Currently use Amsoil , but if anyone comes up with anything superior , I will use that. - Carl Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bloo Posted April 15, 2018 Share Posted April 15, 2018 4 hours ago, Summershandy said: Yes. I think the pitman arm seal leaks somewhat so I may have to change that out someday. Some guys just shoot straight grease in there. You can read up on the debate about the different viscosities. Is there even a seal down there on your car? I don't think my '36 has one. I put that penrite stuff in and it stopped leaking. Straight grease is not a good plan. It does not lubricate well because it wipes off and never flows back. After a time, it may migrate up the steering shaft and come out the top of the steering column. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Summershandy Posted April 15, 2018 Author Share Posted April 15, 2018 1 hour ago, Bloo said: Is there even a seal down there on your car? CPR parts catalogue shows 1937-54 Pitman shaft seal, standard steering Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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