When Installing a Rebuilt Steering Box

Should I put a little fluid in it? I'll be turning it before I hook up a pump.

 

Won’t hurt it any.

 

Make sure you raise the front wheels, and do the bleed with the engine off. (less stress and effort on components)

Fill to the cold level, turn lock to lock half a dozen times, repeat until the fluid is at the correct cold level when the wheels are centered.
Might take about 10 iterations of this.

Then start the car, slowly turn lock to lock and check for leaks. Check the level again.

Then drive and get it warmed and check level again.

Do not run with no or low fluid in an attempt to service and bleed, the pump will cavitate and or/foam the fluid. Neither is good for the pump or the effort to service/bleed the pump/gearbox.

 

Only if it burps and makes a mess! No lines will be worked up...lol

 

I wouldn't put a drop of fluid in it until the lines and the pump are installed...

Then do as trunk monkey instructions...

 

Bob - why?

 

The real question why would you want to put a little fluid in it.....? It's your mess to clean up...
https://www.redheadsteeringgears.com/faq

 

Yup - got that. I fear turning the box dry. I would think some lubricant would be beneficial. There is no engine/front suspension in the car, so no pump/links. I need to move the linkage/steering at a minimum to center the box and install the rest of the links/suspension.

 

I don't know for certain of your gearbox... I would believe 99.9% of the rebuilders use a assembly lube...

 

Good point - I was think more is better! lol

 

Even if the box was assembled bone dry, turning it by hand won’t hurt a thing.

 

Also assembling couple of those myself I can't see how you could do it dry it would be like bad night.....

Peace,
Kacper.