spray lubricant for intermediate steering shaft

[MrT]

First I would like to thank all of you for the info on this site and your suggestions and answers to my questions. My SLE is my first GM product since the mid-1980s, and this forum has gotten me on the fast track to figure out my Bonneville.

I was wondering if anyone has thought of using a spray lubricant applied through some small holes drilled through the boot for the intermediate steering shaft. A small hole that a thin spray tube extender could fit through could be easily covered with a good quality tape or some silcone sealer. This type of cover could be removed and replaced easily for regular lubrication. In addition, a quality spray lubricant may last longer than heavy grease that becomes dried out and becomes tacky.

I use RemOil on my target rifles, and after a few applications the bolt action becomes very smooth. This area of the rifle is subject to movement, friction, and heat. The RemOil has some teflon in it and really keeps metal parts well lubricated and keeps them clean as well. I think that enough of the shaft could be sprayed through the boot from under the hood. If this works, it would be a lot faster than having to remove the shaft everytime for lubrication.

What do you all think? I have not tried this yet as I wanted to see if I am missing something that experienced Bonneville owners would understand why this is not a good thing to try.

Thanks

[sandrock]

A really good synthetic grease will do well for the long term. Lucas makes a pretty *dang* good grease that won't dry up.

[MrT]

The lucas products are good, I have used their transmission additive in some of my old beater cars.

I think the teflon in the RemOil would last even longer. It resists heat and the coating stays on the surface of the metal.

[Abbby]

I would like to try this on both of my bonnevilles. Anyone have pictures/instructions as to where this would get applied?

[nickmac73]

Can this be drilled and tapped for a grease fitting? I need to grease this shaft and thought a grease fitting would come in handy for the future.

[MrT]

Today, I lubricated the steering shaft with RemOil. I did not go through the boot in any way, I removed the driver's side panel and the boot was already cut from a prior lubrication. I could see a little bit of dried axel grease on the shaft.

I sprayed a good amount of RemOil on the shaft, into the opening and down the side of the shaft. I did not remove the shaft. I waited about 10 minutes and repeated the application. Sealed the boot with cable ties and took the Bonny for a ride.

Not only was the clunk gone, but the steering no longer feels "empty" or "loose". This is the first time I did this application and it competely changes the feel of the steering. It will be interesting to see how long the RemOil works, on my target guns a similar application process has lasted years.

Anyway, this is an easy fix, the most difficult part for my 60 year old body was putting the panel back on!!!