Hey all.
First the facts. 1951 Hornet sedan. Car has not been on the road since 1979. Currently working my way around the front end in a process of remove, refurbish, put back on. I am up to the steering box and am a little intimidated. I pulled the plug and it is full of oil still. The oil was dark (not as bad as used oil from an oil change but in no way a golden color, not sure what color it is supposed to be). When the car was on the ground the wheel turned easily and without any inconsistent resistance. The box exterior has some evidence of leakage towards the top of the box but I don't know where.
This where I need some schooling.
1. What should I be replacing? Fluid, seals, bearings?
2. What is your guess to what is leaking?
3. Are there any better schematics of the internals than the repair manual?
Thanks in advance.
The top of the steering box has no seal, if fluid is coming out here it's because it was over filled. I use 80-140 gear oil in all my boxes. Walt.
Walt thanks! That was one of the things that was confusing me. I could not find a top seal for the top of the box on any diagram... that because there is none... lol.
Thanks again.
Ray
Raymund,
Since it has held its fluid for around 35 years, and the wheels turn smoothly, I would say don't do anything with it.
Grease all fittings on the suspension, including the rear shackles, however. If you are fortunate, they'll take grease, but if not, you will have to the plugged fittings out and clean them, or put an unplugged fitting in the hole to get grease in, and then put the plugged fitting back. The suspension fitting below the battery box is the most likely one to be plugged, since it is inconvenient to reach, and therefore may not have been greased much.
Per
Ray, we usually replace the sector shaft seal. We sell these. You MUST be very careful when removing the old seal, making sure you don't damage or nick the shaft or case. There is a felt seal/washer located at the top of the gear. This is not a positive seal, but does prevent fluid loss.
Re: Stubborn grease fitting. This method comes with a warning label "Don't do anything stupid!"
If the fitting isn't damaged so that it fails to seal on the gun coupler (of course, change it if it is) I have had good results by heating the area with a heat gun (preferably) or carefully with a propane torch, then applying pressure. So far, it has worked every time. Be careful of the grease that oozes out.....it's hot!
Frank
Thanks everyone. I got the job done. Was intimidating until I got it apart... and then it made sense. Thanks again!
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