Mike Graham Posted August 6, 2011 Report Share Posted August 6, 2011 Just about to reinstall the steering column and noticed that the olive was cracked. Rather than a regular olive it appears to be "one-sided" ... it is square on one end and tapered on the other. Very roughly shaped like this __/ rather than \__/ as I had imagined. If this description is not clear, I will post a picture. Is this correct, or has it been distorted over time? Looks like standard 3/8 olive in terms of size, but shape is different. Is that correct or is it a specific part for this application that needs to be ordered. Advice much appreciated. Thanks. Cheers, Mike Quote Link to post Share on other sites
M. Pied Lourd Posted August 6, 2011 Report Share Posted August 6, 2011 Hey Mike, I noticed that mine was split when I removed it as well. I think that they are supposed to be like that. Not sure about the shape though as I never really looked closely at it. Lets see what the experts have to say. Cheers, Tush Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Rodbr Posted August 6, 2011 Report Share Posted August 6, 2011 They are supposed to have a split in them from new. See the following: http://www.leacymg.co.uk/index.php?product_id=807337&option=Prod_detail&image_id=404409&category_id=88405 Regards Rod Quote Link to post Share on other sites
BrianC Posted August 6, 2011 Report Share Posted August 6, 2011 Definitely not an expert, but I remember the shape and split (which confused me when I encountered it many years ago). I assume the split is to allow the olive to tighten up on the stator tube and prevent rotation, as it seems to be dual purpose. Never really understood how it provided a 100% oil seal but it seemed to work (although I did always add some sealant - Hermetite or similar - when refitting, just in case). No problem now as I have Penrite grease in the box. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Mike Graham Posted August 6, 2011 Author Report Share Posted August 6, 2011 Thanks for the input guys. Rod the picture is perfect. That's it for sure. Just saw references to Penrite grease in the box when searching the forum yesterday. Can someone clarify what that is and where it might be available. Cheers, Mike Definitely not an expert, but I remember the shape and split (which confused me when I encountered it many years ago). I assume the split is to allow the olive to tighten up on the stator tube and prevent rotation, as it seems to be dual purpose. Never really understood how it provided a 100% oil seal but it seemed to work (although I did always add some sealant - Hermetite or similar - when refitting, just in case). No problem now as I have Penrite grease in the box. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
BrianC Posted August 6, 2011 Report Share Posted August 6, 2011 Penrite Steering Box Lube A self-levelling, high viscosity lubricant containing non-corrosive extreme pressure additives. Ideal for veteran and vintage steering boxes. Not recommended for rack and pinion steering. Available in 500ml. Available from many classic specialists and suppliers, including Moss, TRGB, etc. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Mike Graham Posted August 6, 2011 Author Report Share Posted August 6, 2011 Thanks Brian. Cheers, Mike Quote Link to post Share on other sites
vivdownunder Posted August 7, 2011 Report Share Posted August 7, 2011 Mike, I've mentioned before that the Penrite slumping grease takes an age to fill the steering box, but once in, it stays in for life. It's important to get the box full to ensure the upper race is properly lubed. I've been using the Penrite product for many years with no noticeable wear on the fixed peg, which is a serial offender in contributing to slack steering. It tends to keep the area below the steering box clean too, as it won't seep out of a properly tightened olive. Regards, Viv. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Mike Graham Posted August 7, 2011 Author Report Share Posted August 7, 2011 Hi Viv. I plan to give it a try. Any tricks to make sure the box is completely filled? Cheers, Mike Quote Link to post Share on other sites
vivdownunder Posted August 8, 2011 Report Share Posted August 8, 2011 Mike, with an assembled car, I remove the RH horn and use a funnel into the filler bung on the steering box. Fill the funnel and go away for the weekend. I've tried putting the container in near boiling water to soften the brew, and that helps somewhat, but it always cools before the funnel empties. Despite the angle of the box, it's considered full when the slumping grease is up to the bung. If you want added insurance, pour extra down the filler hole midway along the steering column. It doesn't matter if it partly fills the bottom of the steering column. Filling is an easier job with the apron off and steering box in place - stator tube fitted and olive tightened. Regards, Viv. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
M. Pied Lourd Posted August 8, 2011 Report Share Posted August 8, 2011 Mike, If you need some back up olives, I think that I have two kicking around along with the complete steering boxes etc as I "upgraded" ot r & p on mine. Cheers, Tush Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Mike Graham Posted August 8, 2011 Author Report Share Posted August 8, 2011 Mike, with an assembled car, I remove the RH horn and use a funnel into the filler bung on the steering box. Fill the funnel and go away for the weekend. I've tried putting the container in near boiling water to soften the brew, and that helps somewhat, but it always cools before the funnel empties. Despite the angle of the box, it's considered full when the slumping grease is up to the bung. If you want added insurance, pour extra down the filler hole midway along the steering column. It doesn't matter if it partly fills the bottom of the steering column. Filling is an easier job with the apron off and steering box in place - stator tube fitted and olive tightened. Regards, Viv. Thanks Viv and Tush. Column is out of the car right now and I'll be ordering a few parts including a spare olive today. Thanks for the advice. Cheers, Mike Quote Link to post Share on other sites
MikeTR-6 Posted August 11, 2011 Report Share Posted August 11, 2011 I couldn't understand how the olive cracked on my car , was going to replace it glad i read this topic one less job. Filling the box i got a old PCL air line adapter , The female type that fits on a spray gun screwed it onto a length of pipe with a funnel attached to the other end hanging on a beam in the garage The PCL is a perfect fit for the filler hole Still takes ages to fill Mike Quote Link to post Share on other sites
alanh Posted August 11, 2011 Report Share Posted August 11, 2011 my steering box cover has a grease nipple, so i pump it in there until it emerges from the hole halfway up the steering column. that way, i assume, it's filled the box and is lubricating the bearing at the bottom of the column. i originally thought all steering boxes had a grease nipple fitted, but i know that's not the case. is there a problem with this method? cheers, alan Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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