British-Cars.org

Welcome to the DMR Site for British Car Information.

Recommendations

Parts

TR parts and Triumph parts, TR bits, Triumph Car Spares and accessories are available for TR2, TR3, TR3A, TR4, TR4A, TR5, TR6, TR7, TR8, Spitfire and Stag and other TR models are available from British car spares and parts company LBCarCo.

Triumph TR3 - steering box leaking

The title says it all, oil seeping at a steady rate from the bottom of the box.Would seem to be from the main seal at the bottom of the shaft.I am thinking of removing the top cover, drilling and tapping for a grease fitting, and packing the box with grease from time to time. Dumb idea?? Any/all comments appreciated.

Thanks all,

Dave.
Dave

Dave,

Not dumb but I'm not sure if the grease will actually get into the bearings on top and below the worm gear. After pulling my steering box all apart and replacing the rocker shaft oil seal I did apply a heavy coating of wheel bearing grease to the worm, as well as to the upper and lower bearings. After I got it all shimmed and sealed up I put in the oil as well. The oil probably just cut the grease but I figured more is better due to all the metal on metal contact going on in the box. So to answer your question I guess the grease would be better than nothing at all but I would pull it next winter and replace the leaking seal, upper and lower bearings, and check the worm gear and stud for any wear. Not knowing what grade of grease is available I would suggest talking to someone who knows grease and what may work best for this application. You want some type of grease light enough to work it's way into those bearings. If you hear any loud groaning going on in the steering box while turning the steering wheel chances are the bearings or the worm are being stressed.

Sorry for the winded post.

Harry
H. Ward

Have you tightened the 4 bolts around the end cover? And the gland nut that holds the stator tube?

I had this cover off recently, and it had a mix of grease and oil in there, pretty viscous. I replaced the grease there at the bearing and filled it back up with tranny oil at the hole in the main tube.
Tom

The leak from the rocker shaft should be cured with a new oil seal, mine was. As far as lubrication goes, you should probably go with the original semiliquid steering box lubricant avaialble from Moss and TRF.
Al Christopher
A. R. Christopher

This thread was discussed between 13/06/2006 and 05/07/2006

Triumph TR3 index

This thread is from the archives. Join this live forum now