Lubricating suspension

Cougar Community Classic Cougar Maintenance Restoration and Repair
1

I am installing the front suspension and steering components in my 69 XR7. Seeking input on modern lubricants to use in assembly verse standards found in the service manual and a few specific applications.

Should tie rod adjusting sleeves be lubricated with grease, anti-sieze, or installed dry?

Should the ball joint threads and related threaded attachments be fitted dry, with anti-seize, or grease?

Curious about the correct way to install these components and if modern lubricants have replaced the old standards for these components.

2

If you have power steering be certain that you use only type F fluid. Anything “modern” will have an additive package that will cause foaming, noisy pump operation, and eventual failure of the system.

I like Mobil #28 synthetic red grease just because I get lots of it free. I don’t think any of the so - called “modern” lubricants are necessarily going to cause improvements that you will notice in your lifetime, so if I were you I would first use whatever was on the shelf in your garage.

The steering gearbox needs to be filled with SAE 90 or anything in that range (SAE 85W-120 for example). Again I doubt you would notice any difference in synthetic vs the cheapest lube on the shelf. The steering gearbox needs to be rebuilt first if it is 50 years old and has never been rebuilt. Otherwise whatever you put into it will quickly be on the garage floor.

3

The steering gearbox should have grease and not SAE 90, it came with grease from the factory and if you use 90 wt oil it will leak.
http://www.stangerssite.com/lubrication.html

4

Steering box is rebuilt and lubed. Thank you on the note regarding F type fluid for PS.

Really interested in whether I should use anti-sieze or grease or dry fit the tie rod adjusters and the joint fittings when assembling the suspension and steering components.

5

Not necessary at all.

6

What is not necessary?

7

Anti-sieze or lubrication of the tie rod joints. Won’t hurt if you use it, but not necessary.

8

I always assemble them dry because that insures the tapers will lock together properly.

9

Thank you for the information. An auto tech friend confirmed what you are saying about dry fitting the joints for 100 percent penetration. He recommended light grease on the tie rod adjusters and avoiding anti seize due to its penchant for breaking down when exposed to the elements. Being from the marine world I just assume you lube the crap out of everything.