Topic: Steering Box Lubrication
in Forum: C3 Engines, Driveline and Handling
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Former Member
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Cramerton, NC - USA
Joined: 8/22/2006
Posts: 1094
Vette(s): black 1982 coupe slate gray interior, 350 crossfire, 1985 fuel pump, Steeroids R&P conversion
Ive looked for an old thread on this subject and haven't found one so here goes. While poking around on ebay yesterday I found a specailty tool for greasing the steering box. I've never lubed my steering box, never occurred to me that it needed it. It makes sense that it would meed lubing as it has moving mechanical parts. I have no idea if mine has ever been greased since 1982. Is this somthing that needs to be periodically done or is this tool an ingenious solution to a non-existent problem. If it does need lubing, what grease to I use?
PS: I'm not considering buying the tool, even if it needs to be done. I think about 20 minuts on the lathe would be all that was required to make one and every $ saved could be used to go into my vette.........but you guys understand that, don't you ?
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Understand it? ABSOLUTELY!
I am curious to here the answers you get. My '80 has never been greased so far as I know.
I will tell you that I developed some play in my wheel. Not much, just a little from the centered position back and forth about 1/2 inch.
Turns out the bolts that hold the steering box to the frame were all loose, not even finger tight. I thought I had tightened everything but apparently not. Something to check for... As if there isn't always something to check for. That's half the fun
I am curious to here the answers you get. My '80 has never been greased so far as I know.
I will tell you that I developed some play in my wheel. Not much, just a little from the centered position back and forth about 1/2 inch.
Turns out the bolts that hold the steering box to the frame were all loose, not even finger tight. I thought I had tightened everything but apparently not. Something to check for... As if there isn't always something to check for. That's half the fun
Former Member
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Cramerton, NC - USA
Joined: 8/22/2006
Posts: 1094
Vette(s): black 1982 coupe slate gray interior, 350 crossfire, 1985 fuel pump, Steeroids R&P conversion
I agree dnv, half of the enjoyment of the C-3 is working on them.
Lifetime MemberModerator
Duncanville, TX - USA
Joined: 11/8/2003
Posts: 20226
Vette(s): #1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/
Am-Fm/map light National/Regional/Chapter NCRS "Top Flight"
#2-1985 Bright Red/Carmine Cp.L-98/auto
Member: NCRS, NCRS Texas, Corvette Legends of Texas
Using one of them thar fancy lube machines will end up blowing the seals out of the gearbox. Then you'll have plenty of stuff to work on...
Most gearboxes will take a lightweight chassis grease. Some guys will mix it with some 90wt gear lube, or even STP.
When I restored the chassis on the '74, I cleaned the gearbox, and pumped some regular chassis grease into it, until it were full.
You don't want to pressurize it with a powered grease gun...just pump it in the hole until it is at the top. Then turn it all the way stop-to-stop a few times, and check it again. It don't take much. If you put a fluid type gear lube in them, they'll leak...
Most gearboxes will take a lightweight chassis grease. Some guys will mix it with some 90wt gear lube, or even STP.
When I restored the chassis on the '74, I cleaned the gearbox, and pumped some regular chassis grease into it, until it were full.
You don't want to pressurize it with a powered grease gun...just pump it in the hole until it is at the top. Then turn it all the way stop-to-stop a few times, and check it again. It don't take much. If you put a fluid type gear lube in them, they'll leak...
Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56 
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Former Member
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Cramerton, NC - USA
Joined: 8/22/2006
Posts: 1094
Vette(s): black 1982 coupe slate gray interior, 350 crossfire, 1985 fuel pump, Steeroids R&P conversion
That's what I needed to know Joel, thanks. I knew I had never seen anything like that on a service schedule anywhere that I could remember.
My understanding is that the steering box is a closed system, lubed for life.
Meaning the life of the gears, seals and bearings. Not yours.
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Lifetime MemberModerator
Duncanville, TX - USA
Joined: 11/8/2003
Posts: 20226
Vette(s): #1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/
Am-Fm/map light National/Regional/Chapter NCRS "Top Flight"
#2-1985 Bright Red/Carmine Cp.L-98/auto
Member: NCRS, NCRS Texas, Corvette Legends of Texas
That would depend on how much it has leaked over the years... 
Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56
My Link
(click for Texas-sized view!) NCRS
"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"
Lifetime MemberHot Springs, AR - USA
Joined: 4/24/2004
Posts: 3236
Vette(s): 69 Conv #'s match 427, TKO-600/.64, 3.36HD-Posi, HT, T/T, PS, PB, PW, SP, Leather, Comp XE264HR & Roller Rockers & Lifters, Air-Gap RPM intake, Holley St Av 770 VS, MSD 6AL+Dist+Blaster SS, K&N, Jet-Hot Hooker Side-Pipes, Steeroids, Al Rad, Spal Fans
GM steering gear lube is part number
1052182
in Forum: C3 Engines, Driveline and Handling
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