ROAD AND WORKSHOP by HANDYMAN
Page 39
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Remember Steering Box Lubrication
VERY much like a new engine, the V first-life of a steering box can he long and trouble-free.. Yet unlike the steering box the engine is the centre of a lot of attention, whilst quite nearby the box can serve unseen and uncomplaining, until notice is drawn to it by some wear condition or failure caused by lack of lubrication.
Lubrication methods have changed little through the years, and vehicles still in use may be fitted with a screwed filler plug directly into the box and—often well concealed ---a pipeline to a remote greaser ,ittiorthuic oil distributor, or probably the besthiked method, the simple oil cop
and fall pipe. • '
With the oil cup clearly visible on the steering column, and a simple instruction to mai main the level at the bottom of the cup. little trouble need be expected on the lubrication side. However, not all vehicles are so equipped for ease of servicing, and where the job is more di hlicit It. it can be missed for very long periods. One model in regular use has the tiLiev, eu plug as the only means of topping tip, and unless either the cab floor or radiator is removed the plug is concealed altogether.
In an attempt to stretch out Inbrieanne periods, because of this inaccessinititj., the ase of oil was -discontinued and the box completely packed instead witls a hearing greosc. As this could not esci pc, the problem was considered solved, at least for the ricrio41 between general k li}:1 , OV) es er. some 31.000 miles later, the box became rough and lumpy in use, ending in its removal for examination and bringing to light the fact that lubrication of the moving parts had ceased some long time before. Because of its position. the boxwas not in the way of any real warmth from -radiator or engine, and in the colder weather a clear path had been carved in the grease, with little
chance of a reunion. •
This was a lesson learned the hard way; and it indicated quite clearly that the steering box is just as vulnerable as the engine so far as lubrication is concerned, and just as dependent on the correct viscosity to cushion the hard knocks and avoid metal-to-metal contact. With any of these earlier models it is a worthwhile move to copy the visible fevel oiling method; via cup and pipe, and stick IQ In extreme pressure lubricant in the SAE 90 range.
Also. remember to drain and flush out the box once a year and refill. The mechanism is subjected to heavy loads and hard knocks and the steel debris produced may be hard to see, but it is there, nevertheless, and detrimental to long life and reliability. •