Regular lubrication was an important part of maintaining the Chrysler Royal AP1, particularly in the driving conditions common in Australia during the late 1950s. Chrysler’s factory service schedule specified a series of lubrication intervals designed to keep the steering, suspension, drivetrain and engine components operating correctly.
The lubrication diagram used in the Chrysler workshop manual identifies each lubrication point on the vehicle and provides the recommended lubricant type and service interval.
The following information summarises the factory lubrication and maintenance recommendations for Chrysler Royal passenger cars.
Crankcase Oil Change Lubrication
At each recommended engine oil change, several related components should also be serviced.
Oil Filler Pipe Cap Air Cleaner
Remove and wash thoroughly in kerosene.
Drain and re-oil.
Recommended lubricant:
Engine oil S.A.E. 50
Crankcase Ventilation Outlet Pipe Air Cleaner
Remove and wash thoroughly in kerosene, then drain and re-oil.
Recommended lubricant:
Engine oil S.A.E. 50
Carburettor Air Cleaner
The oil bath air cleaner should be inspected regularly.
If the sump contains a mixture of dirt and oil up to the lower offset in the reservoir, the air cleaner should be removed and thoroughly cleaned.
Procedure:
Remove the cover and filter element
Rinse in kerosene and drain
Empty the dirty oil from the reservoir
Clean the sump and refill to the indicated level
Refill using approximately one pint of engine oil.
Recommended lubricant:
Above 32°F: S.A.E. 30 engine oil
Below 32°F: S.A.E. 20 engine oil
Vehicles operating in dusty conditions may require more frequent servicing.
Lubrication Every 1,000 Miles or 30 Days
The Chrysler Royal chassis included multiple grease fittings that required periodic lubrication.
The following components should be lubricated every 1,000 miles or every 30 days, whichever occurs first.
Front Suspension
Lower control arms (front): 2 fittings
Lower control arms (rear): 2 fittings
Upper control arms: 4 fittings
Steering knuckle support – upper: 2 fittings
King pin: 4 fittings
Steering knuckle support – lower: 2 fittings
Recommended lubricant:
Chassis lubricant
Steering System
Tie rod – outer: 2 fittings
Tie rod – inner: 2 fittings
Steering gear arm link: 2 fittings
Steering idler arm bushing: 1 fitting
Recommended lubricant:
Chassis lubricant
Water Pump (Six Cylinder Models)
Water pump: 2 fittings
Lubricant:
Water pump grease (use a low-pressure grease gun)
Generator (V8 Models)
Lubrication via oil cup at front and oil hole with sliding cover at rear.
Lubricant:
Light engine oil – five to ten drops
Additional Lubrication Points
Steering Gear
Remove filler plug and replenish lubricant if the level falls below the filler plug hole.
Lubricant:
Fluid gear lubricant S.A.E. 90
Power Steering Reservoir (if equipped)
Remove filler cap and replenish when the oil level is below the full mark on the dipstick.
Lubricant:
S.A.E. 10W engine oil
Transmission
Remove filler plug and check lubricant level.
Manual transmission lubricant:
S.A.E. 90 gear lubricant
Overdrive Transmission
Drain transmission and overdrive unit and refill to the correct level.
Lubricant:
S.A.E. 90 gear lubricant
PowerFlite Automatic Transmission
Oil level checked using the indicator located beneath the floor mat on the right-hand side of the driver’s compartment.
Recommended fluid:
Automatic Transmission Fluid Type “A”
Rear Axle Differential
Remove filler plug and replenish lubricant when necessary.
Recommended lubricant:
Extreme pressure hypoid gear lubricant
S.A.E. 90
Universal Joints and Propeller Shaft
Front universal joint: 1 fitting
Propeller shaft spline: 1 fitting
Rear universal joint: 1 fitting
Lubricant:
Fluid gear lubricant S.A.E. 140
Body and Control Lubrication
The following items should be lubricated periodically using light oil:
Handbrake and gearshift linkage
Door hinges
Door springs
Hood clamps
Lubricant:
Penetrating oil
Door strikers and dovetails should be lubricated using door ease or grease stick lubricant.
Lock cylinders should be lubricated with powdered graphite.
Lubrication Every 3,000 Miles
Distributor lubrication should be carried out every 3,000 miles.
Six-cylinder models:
Distributor shaft grease cap
Lubricant: Graphite grease
V8 models:
Distributor shaft oil cup
Lubricant: Light engine oil (five to ten drops)
Lubrication Every 10,000 Miles or Once Per Year
Front Wheel Bearings
At the 10,000 mile inspection interval the front wheel bearings should be removed, cleaned and repacked with grease.
Recommended lubricant:
Short fibre wheel bearing grease (medium)
After cleaning, inspect bearings and races for wear, flaking or scoring before repacking.
Lubrication Every 20,000 Miles
PowerFlite Transmission
Automatic transmission fluid should be replaced every 20,000 miles or every two years, whichever occurs first.
Recommended fluid:
Automatic Transmission Fluid Type “A”
Lubrication Points Not Requiring Service
The following components were designed to operate without periodic lubrication:
Clutch release bearing
Starter bearings
Carburettor linkage
Automatic choke linkage
Foot accelerator mechanism
Rubber suspension bushings
Applying lubricant to rubber bushings may damage the rubber and lead to premature failure.
Fluid Capacities
Engine refill (excluding oil filter):
/2 models: 8 Imperial pints
/3 models: 7 Imperial pints
/4 models (six cylinder): 7 Imperial pints
/4 models (V8): 8 Imperial pints
Transmission: 2⅓ Imperial pints
Rear axle: 2½ Imperial pints
Overdrive transmission: ⅔ Imperial pint
PowerFlite transmission: 7¾ Imperial quarts (approx.)
Power steering unit: 2½ Imperial pints
Chrysler Royal Maintenance
Following the recommended lubrication schedule was essential for ensuring reliable operation of the Chrysler Royal. Regular servicing helped prevent premature wear in the steering, suspension and drivetrain components and contributed to the long service life for which Chrysler vehicles of this period were known.
Workshop Information
The lubrication schedule above provides a general overview of maintenance requirements for Chrysler Royal vehicles.
Complete servicing procedures, adjustment instructions and detailed repair information are contained in OUR Workshop Manual for the Chrysler Royal AP1, available from Car Manuals Direct.
