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Steering Box Lubricant (Again)

RunnerDuck

Donation Time
I really hate to pick a wound but after spending more time than I should on the forums I more confused than ever.

I have an early SI and it's been sitting for a very long time. I emptied the lubricant from the box and want to refill it with something. That's where the confusion comes in.

It's an original steering box so I want something that won't hurt it. Hopefully something off the shelf and easy to get.

I purchased a bottle of "Lucas Synthetic SAE 75W-90 Gear Oil". My main question is "Will this work?"

I don't need a lot of formulation information or another big discussion on viscosity, mixtures and additives. Just, will it work and if not what will. I'm in the United States.

Thanks,

Ken
 

DanR

Diamond Level Sponsor
White Lithium grease works nicely, you just have to pack it in till full.
 

Tom H

Platinum Level Sponsor
Ken, I see two posters have suggested good alternatives. But I think the answer to your direct question is "SAE 75W-90 Gear Oil" will probably work, if the seals in the shafts are still sealing effectively. And the answer to that issue is the seals are probably not sealing well, so use grease as suggested by others.
 

Bill Blue

Platinum Level Sponsor
It will work if it stays in the box. Synthetic oil has a reputation of creating leaks. White lithium grease works fine, but I have never been able to understand why Bob it is preferred, i.e. why is it better than lithium complex grease?

Bill
 

George Coleman

Gold Level Sponsor
The melt point of the lithium grease is just about right for this application I have used it for more than 40 years in my Alpine. If regular grease is used the ball joint will create a track in the grease and the lube properties are just not there.
 
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