Packard Forum Index » Pre-War (1899-1942)

Had Red Head rebuild my steering gearbox and when looking for the correct lubrication for it my owners manual says use Whitmore #52 worm gear compound. What is it and where can I get some. If not available, what current substitute should I use?

Whitmore is still very much in the gear oil business, you might check their website for current offerings but most everyone I know just uses GL-1 mineral gear oil, SAE 90.

From the "for what it's worth" category: A lot of technical articles state that some modern lubricants may not be suitable for older gear boxes - primarily those containing components manufactured with yellow metals (brass, bronze, etc.). They state the high sulphur content in some modern lubes will attack those yellow metals. Restoration Supply stocks Penrite Steering Lube, 1200 EP Non Leaking Manual Box Specialty Gear Oil. I am using this in my '29 speedster steering box and find it to be very satisfactory. You can check their website for specifics. Good Luck!