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Need some advice from the "collective". (72 Cutlass Supreme w/power steering)
I pulled the steering gearbox out to get it rebuilt by Powersteering.com. While I was in there I decided to remove the upper shaft to do some cleaning. I noticed a lot of grease and grime buildup around the upper shaft bolt. There seemed to be a massive amount of bearing grease in and around the female spline (pictured). As I was cleaning and degreasing, I see that there's grease packed inside the rubber boot and it's seeping out of the hole in the center of the female spline (pictured). Looks to be something from the factory. (I don't think the shaft has ever been removed) There's still a good quantity of grease in the boot and the rubber isn't damaged. I've got it cleaned up. Do I need to worry about repacking it before I reinstall? I can't find and reference to servicing in any of my manuals or online.
That flex joint has two sliding blocks that go over pivots on the shaft. It should be well greased.
I didn't get it this far apart. I was afraid of damaging the rubber. Should it be packed full? I think there is ample grease inside. Just didn't want to pull apart more than needed.
Thanks for your 'Sage' advice!
I didn't get it this far apart. I was afraid of damaging the rubber. Should it be packed full? I think there is ample grease inside. Just didn't want to pull apart more than needed.
Thanks for your 'Sage' advice!
If it is sliding smoothly there is no need to take it apart. I like to liberally coat the splines on the column with anti-seize before reinstalling the shaft to make installation and subsequent removal easier.
