How do you determine steering box oil level?

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peterp
Posts: 314
Joined: Sun Feb 12, 2006 9:42 am
Location: NJ

How do you determine steering box oil level?

Post by peterp »

Hello,

Stupid question, I know, but what is the correct method for checking the steering box level? Should it just be filled to the top through the 22mm nut plug?

Sorry to have to ask, but I checked every steering box thread and also the owners manual and shop manual. They say to check the level, but don't say how. Also, what are opinions about using steering box oil (1200wt) as suggested in one of the the TY threads versus using 140wt?

Thanks,
Peter
Peter P
1966 330 2+2 series 2 #8169
cory
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Re: How do you determine steering box oil level?

Post by cory »

Hi Peter,
Fill it thru that nut and just keep an eye on it as you are filling it up. You should begin to see the oil rising putting in a little at a time. The box is tilted forward so when you begin to see the level staying static you should be full. I have used penrite T140. I did just change the seal in my steering box so the 140 is fine for me. Maybe others have used a heavier weight due to a leaky box.
Cory
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peterp
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Re: How do you determine steering box oil level?

Post by peterp »

Thanks Cory. Filling to the top seemed to be the only answer since there is no weep nut or ability to check the level due to the internals immediately below the filler nut, but I haven't seen anything else that is spec'd to fill to the top. Better for me to ask a stupid question than to risk doing something incorrectly. I think my steering box seals were replaced in the mechanical refresh I had done immediately after buying the car, so I will go with the Penrite 140. Thanks again for your help.

Peter
Peter P
1966 330 2+2 series 2 #8169
cory
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Re: How do you determine steering box oil level?

Post by cory »

No dumb questions here and believe me I have had my share of them. Your welcome.
Cory
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330GT
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Re: How do you determine steering box oil level?

Post by 330GT »

Note, the nut has an air hole drilled in it, so don't get the level too high, or the oil will weep when it gets hot.
Regards, Kerry
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peterp
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Location: NJ

Re: How do you determine steering box oil level?

Post by peterp »

330GT wrote:Note, the nut has an air hole drilled in it, so don't get the level too high, or the oil will weep when it gets hot.
Thanks Kerry, I will watch out for this. Not having room for heat expansion is one of the reasons I thought it wasn't correct to fill to the top. I will be sure to leave room.
Peter P
1966 330 2+2 series 2 #8169
Fasthound330
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Re: How do you determine steering box oil level?

Post by Fasthound330 »

Is easily available 85w-140 gear oil OK to use?
1967 330 GTC s/n 9911
John Vardanian
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Re: How do you determine steering box oil level?

Post by John Vardanian »

anyone...is there a problem with using axle oil, 250W? Thanks.

john
PF Coupe
DWR46
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Re: How do you determine steering box oil level?

Post by DWR46 »

John: Another person just asked the same question on Ferrari Chat. If the seals are not leaking too much, 140 wt is fine. I have used 250 wt also and it will work without any problems. I would not recommend 85/140, as it will seep out much easier. Generally, if you can see oil is covering all the internals, the level is fine.
John Vardanian
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Location: San Francisco Area

Re: How do you determine steering box oil level?

Post by John Vardanian »

Thanks Dyke. The seals are fine. I use 250W thinking that it might give a tighter feel to the steering. I may be all wrong, but it seemed like a reasonable notion.

john
PF Coupe
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