Last week, someone brought up whether to use oil or grease in the steering gear on our cars . I got in touch with a rebuilder in California, and he sent me this message. Not much explaination, but he is a professional, and I have heard good things about his work: From: Rebuilding Factory [orders@rebuildingfactory.com] Sent: Friday, June 17, 2005 12:19 PM To: Branham, Clarence (C.E.) Subject: Re: Grease or oil? Hi Earl. Thank you very much! We use the grease for the s/ g/boxes . I hope you keep in tuch. Warmest regards. Kobi 805-484-6888 -------Original Message------- > From: Branham, Clarence \\(C.E.\\) <cbranha1@ford.com> > Subject: Grease or oil? > Sent: 17 Jun 2005 01:33:45 > > I am a representative of the MCCI (Maverick/Comet Club International), and we have an ongoing question concerning the steering gear on these cars, from 1969-1977. Some of us say the proper lubricant for the gear is 90w gear oil, and some say hi-temp/hi-pressure grease. Could you clear this up for us, and tell us what you use? We are having a problem with these gear boxes, as they are all very old and some are badly worn. Some of our members have used your rebuilding service, and are impressed with the results. > > Thank you, and I look forward to hearing from you, > > > Earl Branham, > > > Ga. State Rep, > > > MCCI > > > maverick4@charter.net -------Original Message-------
I tried to use gear oil and it eventually found its way out the pitman arm seal over several years time so then I just went with a high quailtiy multi-purpose grease and it works great.
That was me, Earl. Thanks for the footwork! http://mmb.maverick.to/showthread.php?t=16189 After that post, I filled it with oil and put it back in the car. I haven't seen a leak yet, but I haven't driven it either. Maybe I should pull it back out and fill it with grease? I might call Harrys Steering Gear repair and ask them as well. It sure is smooth with oil in it! I'm still wondering what the factory used?
Rando; take a look at this mod that Frank Cooper and I did, and it makes life a lot easier in keeping the grease topped off. Hope this helps, http://mmb.maverick.to/showthread.php?t=10280&highlight=steering+gear+mod
Thanks! I saw this picture before when I was searching the boards for an answer to the oil question. It seems as if majority is saying grease! I'd still like to know what the factory put it - if not just for curiosity.
OK, I called Harry's Steering Gear. They use a combination of grease AND oil. Basically, they blend their own grease by mixing grease with heavy weight oil to come up with a lightweight grease. He said that straight oil tends to leak and straight grease tends to push out on the seals. I guess I'll drain mine and mix up a batch. Any thoughts?
Rando76; sounds good to me. I just wonder if it will be light enough to slip past the seals and gaskets? Let me know how it works out. Good luck!
