I noticed that there is lubricant leaking out of my manual steering gear. What lubricant is supposed to be used? Do you just undo the nut and adjusting screw and add it? I know this means a problem but I would like to add lubricant and see if it stops a vibration that occurs during any type of left hand steer input no matter how slight. The Haynes manual just says general lubicant or steering gear lubricant but what is it? Thanks, Skip

Chassis lube is what the 1966 chassis service manual says for manual steering gear.


Rocky

And here is how to check/add some chassis grease; I use moly,

1. remove the center bolt in the pitman cover( that is the cover with three bolts in it and is sort of triangular shaped) and the upper most bolt
2. pump grease in the center hole until it slightly oozes out of the uppermost bolt hole, then it is full.
3. reinstall both bolts and torque to spec.

4. take for a test drive and ENJOY!!!!!!!!

Thanks for the help. I think I understand how to add the lubricant but still am unsure what lubricant to use. Are we talking about chassis grease like I have in the little tub for bearings etc? Or, Are we talking about grease like I put in the grease gun to lube ball joints etc? Or something else altogether? Sorry for being a little dense here but I don't want to add the wrong stuff and then try to wash it out. Thanks again, Skip

Where I work, we use the same grease for both, Castrol Pyroplex. graemlins/thumbsup.gif

yeller,
First of all, I want to explain that if I don't know the proper answer to a question, I will look it up in a service manual or other publication. I will not guess. That being said.... :
From the 1971 Chevrolet service manual:
Steering Gear, manual:
The steering gear is factory filled with steering gear lubricant. .... If a seal is replaced or gear is overhauled, the gear housing should be refilled with #1051052 (13 oz container) of Steering Gear Lubricant which meets GM specification GM 4673M or its equivalent. NOTE: DO NOT USE EP CHASSIS LUBE TO LUBRICATE THE GEAR. DO NOT OVERFILL THE GEAR HOUSING.

This tells me there must be something different about the correct lube, and the correct lube is what I would use.
Just my opinion,

Well I guess that answers the question. Leave it to GM even in the '70s to make you go to Mr. Goodwrench. Thanks for the help!

For maybe the first time, I am going to disagree with BillK, todays lubes are far superior to the lubes of the 60's and 70's and JimL82 posted to use a Lithium based lube. While I agree to look up the proper info, what is available for these cars in outdated. I have personally used chassis grease in many manual steering boxes, having been in the repair industry for 38 years, mostly in the light and heavy truck areas. Hope this helps.