Steering box oil

[BoostinBen]

What kind of oil do most people use in steering boxes just 80 / 90 gear oil? Any kind of oil people have had good luck with?

[DISLEXICDIME]

the guys on the blue birds list say cv axle grease works great. I have not tried it.

I use hydraulic jack oil in mine. but if you use the jack oil make sure to suck all the old stuff out.

[benzo]

i used the 80/90 gear oil as that is what is said to use. you can also do adjustment to it also at that time you check fluids to try to get rid of freeplay or slop

[ggzilla]

Steering gearbox (not rack and pinion) is supposed to use "gear oil" not grease. My 1972 Datsun owner's manual says: API GL-4, 75W to 140W

[datzenmike]

Hydraulic oil isn't going to handle the high loads nor have the proper anti scuff additives in it. There's a good reason Nissan recommends GL-4 (same as standard trannys) so go with it.

 

As for removing free play don't forget that the most wear is likely in the straight ahead position with lesser wear to each side. If you remove all the slop in the middle the steering could bind on turns... NOT good. Raise the wheels off the ground and make an adjustment. Turn the steering lock to lock looking for tight spots. Adjust as necessary.

 

The truck box has a 19 to 1 ratio so if you add up all the wear and looseness in the tie rod end ball joints and idle arm an have 1/8", this will translate to 2.37" of steering wheel play! Make sure your steering components are not causing the slop.

[hang_510]

i add some moly-lube(grease) to the 90wt.