Fixing leaking steering box in a Studebaker

Question:

The steering box in my 1960 Studebaker is leaking a thick black ooze from the side. How can I fix this?

Answer:

The thick, black substance is lubricant. The fluid is probably leaking past the sector-shaft cover gasket. Like many cars of the era, your 1960 Studebaker utilized a Saginaw recirculating ball nut-type steering gear. To get to the sector-shaft cover gasket, begin by removing the sector-shaft lock nut — the nut in the middle of the cover. You will notice the threaded shaft that this nut is on has a slot in its end. By loosening the sector-shaft nut, placing a screwdriver in the slot and turning the shaft, you can ad just the sector-shaft endplay. When you remove the lock nut, be careful to hold a screwdriver in the slot so the shaft does not rotate or you will inadvertently change the steering box adjustment. Next, remove the three bolts that retain the sector-shaft cover to the steering box. With the lock nut and three bolts out, carefully pry the cover off. Clean the old gasket from both surfaces and replace it with a new one. I usually find it easier to use the cover as a template and make my own gasket from gasket paper purchased at an auto parts store. After reassembly, top off the lubricant through the filler hole on the top of the gear box.