Steering box flush?

[Just Joel]

I'm changing the fluid and cleaning up the steering box in my 510. Is it ok or advised to flush and rinse the box before re filling it and if so, what should I use?

 

Thanks

Joel

[datzenmike]

Short of taking it out and dismantling it there's no way to empty it properly. I would just vacuum it out with one of those hand suction pumps and refill with GL-4 80 W 90. Don't over think it.

[Just Joel]

It’s already out on the bench and drained... I'm thinking like a solvent flush/clean kinda thing. Should I even bother? There is a little crud down inside I wouldn't mind cleaning out.

 

Thanks

Joel

[datzenmike]

I wouldn't use solvent in case you can't get it all out. Flush with ATF and drain. Rinse with GL-4, drain and re-fill.

 

 

Having said that.... maybe brake cleaner. It's a solvent without hydrocarbons and dries completely. I'll ask those that have tried this on the 510 Realm? I'd be curious to know what they think. After all we all have gear boxes.

[Just Joel]

I wouldn't use solvent in case you can't get it all out. Flush with ATF and drain. Rinse with GL-4, drain and re-fill.

 

 

Having said that.... maybe brake cleaner. It's a solvent without hydrocarbons and dries completely. I'll ask those that have tried this on the 510 Realm? I'd be curious to know what they think. After all we all have gear boxes.

 

Thanks... I was thinking brake cleaner as well... And like you said, give it plenty of time to dry out... Let me know what you find.

 

Later

Joel

[datzenmike]

Thanks... I was thinking brake cleaner as well... And like you said, give it plenty of time to dry out... Let me know what you find.

 

Later

Joel

 

Well the view is to not use and solvent cleaners unless dismantling and cleaning/drying thoroughly. Empty and refill. Any few drips of old would not dilute the new oil to any appreciable amount.

 

Yes ATF would be a better lube to flush with. A turkey baster with a hose will work for those with boxes that are in.

[Just Joel]

Ok, I'll skip the solvent flush...

 

Thanks

Joel

[matwood]

When I rebuilt mine recently I flushed it with solvent. Good luck finding all the oil seals and such if you're planning on replacing them. There is one in there that is NLA but its just a normal 24ID x 35OD x 7H double lip oil seal will work.... this is the one at the bottom by the pitman arm, btw.

[Just Joel]

When I rebuilt mine recently I flushed it with solvent. Good luck finding all the oil seals and such if you're planning on replacing them. There is one in there that is NLA but its just a normal 24ID x 35OD x 7H double lip oil seal will work.... this is the one at the bottom by the pitman arm, btw.

 

More info on where you found the seals and original application? Write up on the rebuild?

 

Thanks

Joel

[datsun 521 ute]

May I just ask why not to use a solvent to flush the steering box? I pulled mine out and cleaned it in the parts washer with kero, should I not have done this?