Is hypoid 85W90 appropriate for steering box

[52Cadillac]

Can I use it in my 52's steering box. It has a leak, and drops, plops is more like it, a heavy almost grease like oil.
Thanks, Mike

[52Cadillac]

Anyone? Manual says use 90, but unable to find it locally, and I have the 85W90 on hand.
Thanks, Mike

[Dave Shepherd]

If the book means 90w gear oil, then what you have will do.

[52Cadillac]

Thanks Dave.

Mike

[R Sotardi #11719]

Ok, here it comes, a whole bunch of guys are going to jump on this. Gear oil is what they say to use, 4673-M to be precise in my 1950( what ever that is). Now,  gear oil comes in different viscosities. The stuff in my car (90w)tends to seep out when driving. So I added 150. It helped but still seeped, albeit slower. The reason is the pitman seal lets oil squeeze past when the shaft turns. However I planned on installing a new seal, but I was advised that it will still seep a bit. This is a quirk with the Saginaw recirculating ball unit. So, I purchased some Penrite from Restoration Parts and when the level sinks some more, I plan on adding that stuff. Check out some past threads on Penrite.

[harry s]

I have heard the same about rebuilding or trying to stop leaking. I used Penrite Steering Lubricant on a leaky unit and it solved the problem. Many people try filling the gear box with grease and that is not a good solution as the grase tends to tunnel around the parts and after a while doesn't provide any lubrication. It is a little alarming to see that Penrite is 1200W, but it does work and is not harsh on yellow metal. Not sure if any of the 30's, 40's or 50's cars have any of those parts in the steering. I don't think it would be a good idea to use it with power steering.    Harry

[Fred Pennington 25635]

Don't use any oil marked EP or Extreme Pressure.
These oils are fine in differentials but not in transmissions or steering boxes.
An Addive in the oil corrodes yellow metals like brass and bronze.

Fred P.

[Jay Friedman]

I also use Penrite in my '49's steering box.  It slowed down but did not eliminate the leak I had with 85-90W.  Can't be bothered rebuilding the box since it steers perfectly with almost no play at the steering wheel.

[52Cadillac]

Right a no no on EP.
I've not heard of Penrite, but will check it out further.
Thanks, Mike

[R Schroeder]

Here is there web site.


http://www.penriteoil.com.au/products.php?id_categ=14&id_products=90

[52Cadillac]

Thanks Roy.

[Alan Harris CLC#1513]

I use a mixture of STP and chassis grease. Gear oil leaked out and chassis grease by itself bunched up in the corners.

The mixture stays put and works very well. I put STP in with a ketchup type squeeze bottle and grease straight from the gun.

These boxes leaked almost from the time they were new

[52Cadillac]

Good to know Alan thanks. Ketchup bottle, what a great idea.
Thanks, Mike