<VV> Steering Box Lube

[Seth Emerson]

 It is worth noting that neither the original GM Boxes or any of the repro/aftermarket, including the Flaming River boxes, have any seal at the lower adjustment cup or lock ring. They rely on the interference fit of the threads of the cup into the housing and the lock ring pulling it even tighter for a seal. Generally, it is enough to seal a grease. It is not enough to seal a liquid - like an oil. One of the first issues that Flaming River had was the lube they put in the first boxes. It was a mix of oil and grease that would separate in time. The grease was lighter so it went to the top, the oil to the bottom - and often out through the big threads in drips. This happened more frequently to cars/boxes which sat for months.
They changed the formula -I was told - and later boxes were much better. I have used the Tractor Supply OO Grease and it has been fine. I think Gary's Mobilgrease below would probably be okay too. Feel free to "brew" your own if you wish. The new boxes that I supply have #3 Lithium Lubricant Grease from the manufacturer. 
- Seth Emerson 

    On Tuesday, November 28, 2023 at 06:09:29 PM PST, edward szuch via VirtualVairs <virtualvairs at corvair.org> wrote:  
 
 When I rebuilt my steering box (66 Corsa) in 2021, I did it because it was
starting to weep oil when sitting for a long time so I had a seal issue.
I agree that the NLGI-2 chassis grease is too thick so I ended up using an
NLGI-1.
I found Mobilgrease CM-L on Amazon for $14.50 for a 14oz tube and this was
plenty to fill the box.  The good part about it is it's a little like
pudding so it will flow somewhat when you're filling the box and won't pack
along the sides.  It sounds like it's a high quality grease that's for
mining and construction equipment and I like that it has 3% molybdenum
sulphide (moly) for wear protection at the bearings and bushings in the
box.  I'm not sure if it's better than an O or OO grade but I didn't want
something too runny.
Good luck!
Gary Szuch
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