Steering Box Fluid - Ooops

[Pete112]

Hi,

I have my '76 up on jack stands and the carb out so it's the perfect time to top off the fluid. Well, I think I used the wrong fluid! I read somewhere on the forum to use 90w in the steering box. So, I happened to have bought 90w GL1 Non EP from Vick's for the transmission. I used this for the steering box. Only later did I read that the steering box takes EP. I'm not sure what the difference between EP and Non-EP is, but apparently it's important.

I probably only used a few ounces, as it didn't take much to top it off. Do you think this will be a problem? Worst part is, I couldn't find a drain plug on the steering box which obviously makes it difficult to switch out fluids!

While I'm on it, the steering is really hard in my car. I realize it's manual, but even up on stands with no tires, it takes decent effort. I know its more than the '80 I had on stands. And the effort is the same throughout the steering. I'm not saying you need two hands or anything. But it's pretty darn hard considering it's not even on the ground.

The PO did install all new front end components (ball joints, tie rods, etc) but never had it aligned by machine (I plan on getting that done). Could this be the problem? Or is this normal?

[mdrburchette]

Can you tell if it's binding in a certain spot? The wheel should be easy to turn, especially with the tires off the ground. Did you add any fluid to the idler?

[So Cal Mark]

alignment won't make a difference with the car raised. I'll second the suggestion to open the idler and check it

[racydave]

There is a tension adjustment on the steering gear, wonder if it has been over tightened. Also its possible that a tie rod joint might be binding. you might need to take the joints out to isolate the stiffness.

[Pete112]

Ah, I did not realize the idler had fluid inside. My guess is that a PO might not have either! I just thought it had bearings or something. Hopefully that's it! And no, it's not binding anywhere. It's pretty much the same all the way around. And I did try adjusting the steering gear to no avail. I ended up putting it back where it was.

Can I use the 75-90 EP GL5 that I got from Vick's? Or should I use the 90 Non-EP GL1?

I'm guessing a bit of what I think was the wrong fluid in the steering box isn't a big deal (BTW, the tightness was not any different before or after adding that fluid).

[mdrburchette]

There are no specs for what kind of oil to use in the idler so I put in the same 90w as the steering box. I was later told to use a light weight oil in the idler but I didn't have any problems.

[Pete112]

So the idler was empty as far as I could tell so I did fill it. It seems to have made a difference but it is still not as easy as one would think (or as easy as the '80 I had on stands). I wish there was a way to express effort on the internet. I imagine I could use one of those weight pulleys if I had one, but I don't. Best way to describe it, I can turn it with one finger in a steering wheel spoke but it REALLY is hard on the finger.

Weird thing is that it turns really well though. It's just the amount of effort required that is off. Everything looks good and it turns smooth. It doesn't bind anywhere or get less or more in a certain spot. Just extra effort all the way around. And I know it's not in the steering wheel or knuckles because it's very easy to turn in the "play" area. Just as soon as it starts turning the wheels, the extra force is necessary.

Is it possible that one of the nuts in the suspension was just put on too tight? I know they're self locking nuts but should I try just loosening them a bit?

It's not so much the effort that bothers me here. It's the fact that I think it's wrong.