How do you check the fluid level in a manual steering gear box ?

[WOLFMANmike]

Hey guys how do you check the level of a stock manual steering box gearbox I'm asking because I have a leak in mine and I cannot afford to buy a new one at this point the steering got quite a bit stiffer and there's quite a bit of play in it about three to three and a half inches both sides and also can you tell me what fluid goes in there is it Grease or is it gear oil as in differential oil? The rag joint looks to be fine and all the other suspension has been replaced adjusters tie rod ends ball joints pitman arm everything new just driving home today on the freeway it was wondering pretty bad and got pretty tight I looked underneath and there's quite a bit of seepage on the gearbox at self so I'm sure I've lost if not all most of the fluid in it your help would be much appreciated if you could direct me in the right direction to go with checking the fluid level and how to put fluid in thanks in advance

[vince1]

If it is getting hard to turn yet you have a lot of free play, it makes me wonder if something is going wrong with your box. As for adjustment it is done by loosening the jamb nut and turning the screw. I don't know the recognized proper adjustment procedure but I used to screw them down, then back off about a half turn and lock the nut.

Mine leaked so bad I kept adding grease through the fill hole until it finally stopped. The original fluid I think was supposed to be gear oil. On the other hand I remember it was also extremely hard to turn, at least when parking. The fill hole is just a pipe plug as I remember and you add fluid until it is full.

Changing over to power steering will be well worth the effort.

[WOLFMANmike]

Originally Posted by vince1

If it is getting hard to turn yet you have a lot of free play, it makes me wonder if something is going wrong with your box. As for adjustment it is done by loosening the jamb nut and turning the screw. I don't know the recognized proper adjustment procedure but I used to screw them down, then back off about a half turn and lock the nut.

Mine leaked so bad I kept adding grease through the fill hole until it finally stopped. The original fluid I think was supposed to be gear oil. On the other hand I remember it was also extremely hard to turn, at least when parking.

Changing over to power steering will be well worth the effort.

Can you please tell me where I can locate the fill hole at to put grease or diff fluid in it that would be a big help I'm looking to get about a year out of it the way that it is so I can save up for the entire power steering because I need to also buy a tilt steering column the Double D Link and the Double D Bar or shaft and then also have my friend Mike hopefully help me with the entire project so I'm going to need to get at least a year out of it

[vince1]

Is there not a plug in the top plate of the box?

[WOLFMANmike]

Originally Posted by vince1

Is there not a plug in the top plate of the box?

Only thing I see is a plate with four bolts and then in the center of it is the adjustment screw and lock nut that you're talking about

[vince1]

Pipe plug on the side of it? There is a pipe thread plug somewhere.

[vince1]

I haven't seen one for a while. If no plug anywhere then maybe take one of the bolts out? Best to wait for advice from someone who is more current on it.

[WOLFMANmike]

Originally Posted by vince1

I haven't seen one for a while. If no plug anywhere then maybe take one of the bolts out? Best to wait for advice from someone who is more current on it.

Ok ty for trying to help me .. ill wait and see per your advice to see if anyone else knows

[vince1]

http://www.camaros.net/forums/16-bra...-box-lube.html

[WOLFMANmike]

Originally Posted by vince1

http://www.camaros.net/forums/16-bra...-box-lube.html

Vince1 hey brother thanks so much for your help on this that post was very helpful you rock ! its gonna take me at least a year to go power steering because i need to buy a tilt steering column .. the power steering kit ... all the pulleys and brackets and also CaptainFab plate mounting kit ... and im on disability only get paid 1 time a month so its gonna take a year to get everything bought and then hopefully get my buddy Chevymike to help me get it all put in properly so you have no idea how much i appreciate you finding this info for me hopefully it will get me a full year fingers crossed