2a Steering box mods

[ROV11A]

Having recently purchased the '68 series 2a 6cyl... I am still discovering some of the things the previous owner did, or at least started to do...
One such thing is the process of adding a grease nipple to the front/lower steering box...
He says the process so far has been to "flush" out the existing (factory) grease by removing one of the top screws and poring oil in, this then leaks out slowly and flushes out the old grease... this process has been done twice now (by him).

Next step is to apparently add a grease nipple and of course fill the box with a good grease...

My question is, is this something others have heard of???
Any tips???
what type of grease etc???

Cheers

[JDNSW]

I assume you are talking about the steering relay. This is supposed to be filled with EP90 gear oil. As the oil needs to soak into the fibre bushes, use of grease will eventually result in lack of lubrication and wear.

The seals can be replaced without removing the unit, take off the arm and remove the end plate (four bolts). The usual wau of filling is to remove two top bolts and fill through one, air out through the other. Early relays (up to about Series 2) has a filler on top of the shaft.

John

[ROV11A]

Thanks John,

Firstly, my apologies for posting twice.... I originally posted in technical chatter thread then realised that the Series specific threads were a much better option. Can I claim newbie inexperience for this indiscretion? :(

More importantly, Thankyou for the steering relay info, that makes a lot more sense than the add grease advise I was originally given... I had already added the nipple, but not got around to adding the grease, so will definately go with the EP90 option.

Once again, thankyou and hope to chat again soon.

Cheers

[JDNSW]

Actually, a grease nipple is quite a satisfactory way of getting oil into the relay provided you have a grease gun that can handle oil - most not designed for cartridges can, but can get messy if the seals and clearances are not good.

Personally, I use a pump type oil can.

John

[ROV11A]

I will take the relay apart from above as suggested... thanks again for the advise.

[JDNSW]

I will take the relay apart from above as suggested... thanks again for the advise.

I am not sure why you want to take it apart. If you do so, be sure to read the manual carefully as there is a serious risk of personal injury in doing so.

But the end plates can be safely removed and the seals replaced without further disassembling the relay, simply removing the arm (and note that the pinch bolt must be removed, not just loosened - it goes through a neck machined in the spline).

John

[ROV11A]

Sorry, that was what I meant... just taking the top bits off...

I only open my mouth to change feet.

[JDNSW]

Sorry, that was what I meant... just taking the top bits off...

I only open my mouth to change feet.

That's fine - we all do that. Or I do anyway.

John