Steering Box Oil Leak...again

project_timemachine · Post by **project_timemachine** » Sat Jun 03, 2006 3:35 am

Two months ago I had my steering box brought down and overhauled (replaced bearings and new seals). After a while I noticed that there was a small leak from the tensioner bolt. I'm thinking of bringing it down again, but this time I'll replaced the 90W oil with just bearing grease. Is this ok and more importantly is this safe? Thanks.

BTW, how do you remove that plastic cap/bolt in the center of the steering box? I tried pliers, vicegrips, and other tools, but it wouldn't budge. Is there an allen wrench that would fit that?

Post by **dbrick** » Sat Jun 03, 2006 11:55 pm

When you re assemble it, just put some thread sealant on all the bolt and plug threads. If you can remove the locknut on the adjuster and degrease the bolt, reassemble with thread sealer on the locknut, will likley stop the leak. Grease is too thick, maybe 85/140 gear oil or straight 140 wt conventional, not synthetic oil. The box will wear out in no time with just grease.

project_timemachine · Post by **project_timemachine** » Sun Jun 04, 2006 9:32 am

ic...luckily I didn't give in to just filling the box with grease! Thanks Dave for the info!!!

oilleak · Post by **oilleak** » Wed Jun 07, 2006 4:28 pm

Les at classic datsun has some lub specificaly for the steering box. It's very thick but still liquid. I'm using it in mine and it seems to work - no leaks.

Datsundude · Post by **Datsundude** » Wed Jun 07, 2006 4:42 pm

Hey Steven,

The plastic cap you referring to is a filler capÃ¢â‚¬Â¦ to remove it you have to turn counter clockwise just like you unbolt or unscrew a nut or bolt.

Vinh

Post by **spl310** » Wed Jun 07, 2006 4:51 pm

The plastic cap often gets pretty stuck. I actually had to use vise grips to break one loose, but it came loose and sprung back to it's original shape! It is amazing how many are missing the cap that belongs on the plug (the plugs were originally white with a blue or black - or maybe even another color, but I have seen those cap). The cap appears to reduce the amount of water intrusion into the box...

Conner · Post by **Conner** » Wed Jun 07, 2006 5:01 pm

I used a socket wrench and a box-end wrench in tandem to get my cap off. I inserted the 1/2" drive into the inner square part on the cap and used a box wrench on the outer rim of the cap. With both at the same time the flex in the plastic was removed and I was able to turn the whole thing without the cap going out of shape.

Datsundude · Post by **Datsundude** » Wed Jun 07, 2006 5:06 pm

Check E-bay thatÃ¢â‚¬â„¢s where I bought mine $6.75 plus shipping. Every once in a blue moon someone will list this filler cap for sale

Vinh

project_timemachine · Post by **project_timemachine** » Thu Jun 08, 2006 3:21 am

Thanks for the help guys... I'll have the steering box brought down soon. I'll try the box wrench and socket wrench tandem method to remove the filler cap. Thanks again!