Subject: Steering box fluid checks
Date: Tue, 9 Sep 1997
From: "JOSEPH L. SUSZYNSKI" <jsuszyns@osf1.gmu.edu>
Hello!
I bought a 1965 P1800S in April and I've finally got it out of the shop after having the floor pans (rust), front & rear brakes, suspension, emergency brakes, and a few other less expensive things replaced. Now that I'm broke (with a very disapproving wife), I'm trying to head off problems before they occur.
I read in Bill Webbs book the importance of checking the steering box fluid level. Maybe it's because I'm not "Joe Mechanic", but I can't figure out how to check this out. Maybe I'm looking in the wrong place. Can you help?
Joe
Joe -
On top of the steering gearbox (which is at the end of the steering column), you'll find a small, but varied collection of fasteners. Four of them, positioned at the corners, hold down the cover. Near the middle is a screw with a locknut on it. This is for adjusting the freeplay of the steering box. Next to this is a plug with a four-sided head, and this is the one to remove to check the oil level. The oil should be up to the bottom of the plug hole. Use the recommended SAE 80 gear oil or a close substitute, such as SAE 80W-90.
(Note: It's o.k. to use a close substitute in the steering box, but not in the transmission. Use only the recommended SAE 80 [SAE 30 if you have overdrive] there, or you will have trouble with grinding shifts. I think this is due to the improved slickness of modern oils, which interferes with the action of the synchronizer cones.)
When you replace the plug in the steering box, be careful not to overtighten it. Snug is good -- no need to really torque it. Check the oil again in a week or two. If it's all leaked out, you should order a set of steering gearbox seals from Volvo and get your mechanic to install them.
If your wife likes envious stares, take her out riding in the P1800. For years, whenever I took my wife out in the car, she'd always say, at some point, "What are YOU staring at, Bubba?" to one of the many passers-by who admired the car (when they couldn't hear, of course). Then it would dawn on her that they were checking out the car.
-Glenn.