Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) steering bushing greasing?

[WOTURBO]

I INSTALLED THE LOWER STEERING COLUM BUSHING FIX A MONTH AGO, IT IS STILL A LITTLE TIGHT. HAS ANYONE THOUGHT ABOUT PUTTING IN ON A LATHE AND TURNING A GROOVE IN THE CENTER OF THE INSIDE OF THE BUSHING AND THEN DRILLING A HOLE THROUGH THE COLUM AND THROUGH THE BUSHING AT THE SAME TIME. THEN PUTTING A GREASE ZERK ON THE OUT SIDE OF THE COLUM TO BE ABLE TO GREASE IT. THE GROOVE WOULD ALLOW THE GREASE TO FLOW AROUND THE INNER SHAFT LIKE ON SOME BUSHINGS IN LOADERS ON FARM TRACTORS.

 

[DCorbett]

I also had that same idea. I only notice it being tight during warmer weather. In the am it would be nice and smooth but by afternoon it would get tight. I installed it with grease and thought it would be great to be able to give it a shot every once in awhile. Some have removed it and honed out the bushing some to loosen it but I didn't want to do that. I figure it will wear and that i installed it to hold the wheel tight. I drive across a lot of rough pastures hauling hay and didn't want it too loose or have to tear it back apart. Instead I took some synthetic electric motor oil and put it on the steering shaft up under the dash by the fire wall and just let it seep down to the bushing. It has worked perfect. Sounds crazy and it may not last but if all I have to do is give it a shot or two for a while until it wears in better I think it's worth it.

 

[CTD12V]

I've thought about the grease zerk thing, but after standing there staring at it for awhile, I couldn't figure out any feasible way to get a drill in there to drill a hole in the steering column collar. The zerk would probably also funtion as a set screw to keep the bushing from backing out over time. If you do figure out a way to do this, let us know!



As far as lubing the bushing without using a grease zerk approach, I tried several different lubes and penetrating oils before I found Super-Lube (made by Synco). I had a problem with my steering shaft getting really stiff inside the bushing in cold weather, but the Super-Lube finally seemed to do the trick, similar to DCorbett's synthetic electric motor oil.



CTD12V



Edit: I don't know if you have Big R stores where you live, but that is where I got the Super-Lube. Here is a website for Synco:



Super Lube® Multi-Purpose Aerosol





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