Grease point / nipple on Steering box - what grease ?

[dom14]

This is an old video that explains the typical hydraulic steering system.
I guess in modern systems, or at least in four wheel drives, the whole thing is compacted in the steering box.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BXEiLFuaQ4s


And this is a video that explains more modern electric assisted power steering, which I think is a much better system
'cos it reduces "parasitic loss" from constantly turning steering pump.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o2kyozK9GII

My old Hoden Barina had electric assisted power steering, but I've never bothered to look more into it back then.
Now, I kinda have some idea.

[dom14]

Big truck steering boxes have a grease nipple on the output shaft to lubricate the big bearing & acts as a seal , might have been a similar theory ?

Yeah, but I'm guessing many "smaller" vehicles like 4WDs don't have grease nipples, 'cos it's not too hard to seal the whole unit with enough grease in it for the life of the box?!!

I don't seem to have a grease nipple in mine(1990 GQ RB30).

[dom14]

Without having seen it and the OP saying top I'd assume it's the input shaft?
Maybe it is easier to let the oil lubricate the whole pump instead of seperating it?

That's my guess too. Since the whole unit is a compacted in the steering box(hydraulic and mechanical part of it), it is possible to
to use oil to lubricate the whole thing?
Perhaps, that is the reason I don't seem to have a grease nipple in mine?
Or perhaps the mechanical area of the shaft/cam etc are separated and sealed and greased for life?

[garett]

mine has a grease nipple on top of the box.(90 ford mav td42) i not sure what grease either but would guess its just a standard bearing grease. should prob check the manual but i'm not at home atm.