| V8JR | -- 03-15-2012 @ 2:45 PM |
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I am rebuilding an 1939 steering gear - what is the best lube to use and that will also minimize leakage from the steering box? - Thanks V8JR
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| Stroker | -- 03-15-2012 @ 4:23 PM |
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Don't know where you live, but my favorite (I live in Iowa) is: John Deere Cornhead grease. This product is semi-solid, but thixotropic, thus continually coats the worm and sector. Plus it is thick enough to reduce leakage around the pitman arm seal and,(on 1932-39's), the light switch.
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| kubes40 | -- 03-15-2012 @ 4:51 PM |
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Stroker, Too much of a coincidence to not make note of it... just this morning I picked up two tubes of the stuff. You are so very correct about this stuff. Item #AN102562, $4.29 each
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| Gary M. | -- 03-15-2012 @ 5:50 PM |
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I use cornhead in the torque tube universals also.
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| kenburke | -- 03-15-2012 @ 7:29 PM |
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Is John Deere the exclusive source?
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| Old Henry | -- 03-15-2012 @ 10:15 PM |
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CORRECTED John Deere Cornhead Grease is just a NGLI Grade 0 grease. (Most grease is the stiffer Grade 2) Others who make Grade 0 are: Schaeffer makes a synthetic: http://www.amsoil.com/storefront/gla.aspx Sh*ll makes ALVANIA® EP Greases in NLGI Grades 0: http://www.islandoilsupply.com/sh*ll/greases.htm#ALVANIAEP and DOLIUM® R: http://www.islandoilsupply.com/sh*ll/greases.htm#DARINAEP Amsoil makes a synthetic: http://www.amsoil.com/storefront/gla.aspx Each has a different formulation. The John Deere grease is a urea based grease rather than lithium based as most Grade 2 greases are. Although I use John Deere Corn Head Grease for my U-joint as it is most like the soda soap grease that Ford recommended the owners manual for my '47 says use "mild E.P. GEAR OIL, S.A.E. 90 for all seasons" in the steering gear case so that's what I use. What does Ford recommend for the '39? Old Henry (The older I get, the better old looks.) This message was edited by Old Henry on 3-21-12 @ 1:05 PM
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| supereal | -- 03-16-2012 @ 9:33 AM |
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Keeping the worm and sector properly lubricated is tricky, partiularly since the box is exposed to exhaust heat, due to its location. If you use grease instead of heavy oil, adding some STP will improve the operation and help prevent wear, particularly at the center high spot of the worm.
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| Gary M. | -- 03-19-2012 @ 6:19 PM |
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Cenex in St.Paul MN.is another good brand of cornhead grease...
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| Grant | -- 03-20-2012 @ 6:57 AM |
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The 1949-1950-1951 Ford Passenger Car Shop Manual says, on page 277 for "1000 Mile Lubrication", at (14) STEERING GEAR HOUSING: "Check and add gear oil, S.A.E. 140, as required." I assume that means using grease of any kind would be an absolute no-no on our 1950 and 1951 Fords. Can you recommend a manufacturer who makes the best S.A.E. 140 which should be used in those steering gear assemblies ? Is there a modern alternative to S.A.E. 140 which would be a superior steering gear lubricant ?
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| V8JR | -- 03-20-2012 @ 1:53 PM |
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Thanks guys for all the info - I've ordered some of the Corn Head Grease and will give it a try - V8JR
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| 1883warren | -- 03-20-2012 @ 6:30 PM |
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Your steering sector (box) should NEVER be leaking anything. Replace the big link arm bearing if it's worn and then a new SEAL. A lot of such leaks are from a loose crimp connection in that small brass tube that's crimped onto the little plate at the bottom that your light switch rod goes through, to the switch. I always silver solder the brass tube to the steel plate and this end those leaks, out of the bottom of the light switch. Remove switch, then take out the two small bolts and remove plate & tube. As to what lube to use... it must be an extreme pressure lube, like 80/90 gear oil. Do not use any heavy lube. Another option that works much better in cold weather is Hi-Tran, or universal tractor fluid. Solder your brass tube... replace the worn bearing.. put in a new SEAL ... end of problems.
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| Old Henry | -- 03-21-2012 @ 1:04 PM |
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CORRECTION: My 3-15-12 post was wrong about John Deer corn head grease. It is not grade 1 but, rather, grade 0 grease. I've corrected that post with other sources of 0 grade grease. Here's a great video of a John Deere corn head with the grease running inside: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UEwk_sYP6A8 Old Henry (The older I get, the better old looks.) This message was edited by Old Henry on 3-21-12 @ 4:41 PM
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