Steering Box

[Funcar]

This is a picture of my steering box on a 73 Spider. I cleaned the top of all the gunk as best I could. You can see the 5 steel lines which run directly over the top. 3 of the larger steel lines are gas and the other small 2 ones are brake lines. I really don't think they should be routed this close to the steering box as they make it very difficult to work on it. Can anyone tell me if this is normal?




My Spider has been sitting for about 30 years so I suspect the steering box is dry or has very little oil. If there is any I assume it will be deteriorated to be ineffective. I don't think I will be able to remove the cover and clean it out. If I was able to somehow remove it I would have great difficulty it putting it back together.

Currently trying to purchase 5/16 8 point 3/8 socket to remove the fill plug. I have ordered one.

I look forward to any and all advice on how to proceed with getting the steering box in good working order.

[klweimer]

Lots of good threads here about servicing these rascals. The 8 point socket works like a champ to get that plug out. Then you can see what you're in for.

[RRoller123]

My lines are not routed across the top of the steering box. But I cannot say if they are still original or not. It is likely that yours are not original and were rerouted that way. You should have access to the adjustment screw and fill screw.

[TX82FIAT]

I've not seen the lines run that way across the top of the steering box a 72 and a 74. However, working on the sterring box from the top or bottom is a PITA. Does the steering assemble turn now and if it does, what do you hear and feel when you turn it. After sitting for 30 years it is probably dry or will be shortly once the seal at the bottom gives out. One of the things I saw another owner do as a temp fix was install a grease zerk plug in the fill plug spot on top of the box. The thicker grease lubricated the steering box until a box could be rebuilt or replaced. They then pushed grease in because they knew they had a blown seal and it leaked out at a slow to un-noticeable rate so the grease stayed put until he could fix the steering box properly but gave them the ability to use the car. Don't forget about the idler arm on the other side of the engine compartment. That is just as likely to have frozen or problems with no oil from sitting.

[Funcar]

Thanks for the feedback. You have confirmed to me that the steering lines are not original and the new ones have been routed in such a way as to limit my ability to service the steering box.

Currently my plan is to remove the file plug if possible. I am having problems purchasing a 5/16 8 point socket ( double square) ...either 1/4 or 3/8 drive. I have a company that will send me one for $28.00 Canadian. When I get the plug out I will put some gear oil in and then try to vacuum out to get rid of the sediment and old oil. Refill and drive. Then I will take the car to a mechanic and remove the steering box and service it properly.

I had read an earlier thread by RRoller 123 about the idler arm and completed that maintenance task ...good photo's

I am having a hard time dealing with getting one socket to move this project forward...it's the long weekend in Canada coming up.

[RRoller123]

Any way you can get at that plug with a flat wrench? Maybe with a 90 degree crowfoot wrench head? https://www.harborfreight.com/7-piece-3 ... 94427.html

[Funcar]

Found a mechanic who works for the city on all the buses and construction equipment. He lent me the 5/16 8 point socket with 3/8 drive. Worked like a champ. Good idea for all spider owners to get one and service your steering box. As suspected it was completely dry so use 80/90 oil to fill it up. I lifted the front wheels off the ground and turned the wheels completely left and right a few times and topped up the oil a couple times. The steering was noticeably easier and fluid when done. I did not have to adjust the steering setting as it was right on spec according to what I have read on the forum. about one inch of play at center.

[elston36]

I found a 5/16" 8-point socket. Needed to use a universal (knuckle) joint fitting to get it to fit square, but it worked fine to remove the steering box plug. Then I used a ~1/8" dia. wooden dowel to check the fluid level. The dowel only went in about 2" from the top thread and there is no discernible fluid in the steering box.
I have some Redline MT-90 and 75w90 that I used for the trans & differential
(now I don't remember which is which - MT-90 for the trans & 75W90 for the diff, or the other way around?)
Anyway, can I use the 75w90 in the steering box?
My Brooklands shop manual says "SAE 90 (EP)" for the steering gear and "SAE 90 (not EP)" for the trans & diff.

Also - before getting the plug out I tightened the adjusting screw on top of the steering box. It went about 1/4 turn until it began giving resistance. Then I backed it off just a bit and tightened the retaining nut. Really big difference! No more slop in the steering. Very good steering feel with no binding.

Thanks,
Donald

[Jon124]

MT90 is for transmission, 75-90 is for differential. Use 75-90 for the steering gear. Your manual is not accurate, it should be EP for the steering gear and differential, non EP only for transmission.