The Ford Barn

30aadoodlebug · 05-20-2015, 01:47 AM

Okay, so before I get berated by all of you, yes, I know that Model 'A's are supposed to leak. But, all three of mine are only leaking from the same spot: the steering box. I've put the new replacement end-plates in that go up around the horn rod, and still nothing has changed. I'm stumped, and don't want to tighten the bolts on the box any further to possibly alleviate the issue. Thoughts?

Jon

H. L. Chauvin · 05-20-2015, 02:53 AM

Hi Jon,

I may just be lucky that my steering box does not leak after re-build.

Who knows what these 80 year old cars went through in years gone by?

Try a "Search" for Penrite ..... many swear by this lube to stop the leaking in steering boxes.

In my opinion, Americans can only be berated if we yield to our present day Government Un-American Insane Ideology.

Thanks for your humble and sincere intelligent question ....... you are this Forum.

Mitch//pa · 05-20-2015, 06:25 AM

i reassemble with new lower gaskets indian shellack them and the lower bolt threads.. there is no where for it to leak at that point unless it coming from higher up

Mike V. Florida · 05-20-2015, 06:39 AM

I guess the first question is, where is it leaking?

mrtexas · 05-20-2015, 07:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by H. L. Chauvin

Hi Jon,

I may just be lucky that my steering box does not leak after re-build.

Who know what these 80 year old cars went through in years gone by?

Try a "Search" for Penrite ..... many swear by this lube to stop the leaking in steering boxes.

In my opinion, Americans can only be berated if we yield to our present day Government Un-American Insane Ideology.

Thanks for your humble and sincere intelligent question ....... you are this Forum.

Easier to get is Deere cornhead grease

Jacksonlll · 05-20-2015, 11:27 AM

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

Mine all leaked out of the sector shaft. Through the bushings. There is no seal there. It will come out. Some people have devised an o ring to seal things off, and I have too. One of my cars has a zerk fitting for these bushings, so a shot of grease helps to seal things up.

raprice22 · 05-20-2015, 11:51 AM

All I know is that at least once a season, I need to add 600W lube to my steering box. I have no idea where the stuff goes, but it needs a refill once in a while. I'm not really concerned about it. I don't see any indication of a leak on the garage floor.
I might just try that Penrite stuff. I've seen it mentioned before.
Rog

HoarseWhisperer · 05-20-2015, 12:06 PM

Penrite Steering Box Lube was available at: http://www.restorationstuff.com

Mike V. Florida · 05-20-2015, 01:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jacksonlll

Mine all leaked out of the sector shaft. Through the bushings. There is no seal there. It will come out. Some people have devised an o ring to seal things off, and I have too. One of my cars has a zerk fitting for these bushings, so a shot of grease helps to seal things up.

I did not devise one but bought it from the vendors.

burner31 · 05-20-2015, 01:21 PM

Sector shaft, check your frame rail behind the box, if it has oil on it then it;s your sector shaft. I pulled the pitman arm, dropped the steering column in the cab, removed the two bolts holding the steering box and rotated enough to put another old thrust washer over the sector shaft and re-assembled, the thrust washer gets pressed against the frame and shaft/box and helps seal the leak.
It's not a good fix, or a permanent fix but it did slow down the leak a whole, whole bunch, only took about an hour.
Just got the car driving and not ready to tear the steering box apart just yet, this will hold until winter...i'm hoping.

1931 flamingo · 05-20-2015, 01:59 PM

PennRite steering box lube is the way to go. JMO

Paul in CT

Tacoma Bob · 05-20-2015, 02:29 PM

I have the F-100 and it has leaked like a sieve since the install. Pennrite Has helped to a large degree and I would recommend it. I know many will laugh me out of the garage but I bought a small bread pan from the Dollar Store and pop riveted it to my sheet metal engine pan and every now and then I run a rag around to soak up what little lube is there.

BILL WILLIAMSON · 05-20-2015, 06:07 PM

"Someone" had pumped Minervas' 2 tooth box about 2/3 full of a clear looking grease, using the lower fitting. I topped it off with Valvoline 70/90 Synthetic Gear Oil. Within 2 weeks, the steering got easier & easier & it NEVER leaked. On a short, speedy, tight turn, it would "almost" recover to straight, BY ITSELF!!
Bill W.

d.j. moordigian · 05-20-2015, 06:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 30aadoodlebug

Okay, so before I get berated by all of you, yes, I know that Model 'A's are supposed to leak. But, all three of mine are only leaking from the same spot: the steering box. I've put the new replacement end-plates in that go up around the horn rod, and still nothing has changed. I'm stumped, and don't want to tighten the bolts on the box any further to possibly alleviate the issue. Thoughts?

Jon

I keep waiting for this question...but haven't read it yet..

7 tooth or 2 tooth...?

CWPASADENA · 05-20-2015, 06:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by H. L. Chauvin

Hi Jon,

I may just be lucky that my steering box does not leak after re-build.

Who knows what these 80 year old cars went through in years gone by?

Try a "Search" for Penrite ..... many swear by this lube to stop the leaking in steering boxes.

In my opinion, Americans can only be berated if we yield to our present day Government Un-American Insane Ideology.

Thanks for your humble and sincere intelligent question ....... you are this Forum.

I agree,

I have been using Penrite 1200W Steering Box Lube for years in my early fords.

I get it from Restoration Supply, 800-306-7008. Escondido, Ca. There is probably someone closer to you.

My experience,

Chris W.

burner31 · 05-21-2015, 01:00 AM

Then it's agreed...Penrite it is.
It's worth a try and can't hurt.
I'll find some in Okie land, somewhere.

30aadoodlebug · 05-21-2015, 08:21 AM

Hey all, Sorry for the absence (painting a deck). First, they're all a 2-tooth; second, it's leaking from the bottom bolt; third, I guess it's time for Penrite...

Thanks again.

J

P.S. I use the recommended blend of 50% STP and the latter being 600w.

BILL WILLIAMSON · 05-21-2015, 11:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 30aadoodlebug

Hey all, Sorry for the absence (painting a deck). First, they're all a 2-tooth; second, it's leaking from the bottom bolt; third, I guess it's time for Penrite...

Thanks again.

J

P.S. I use the recommended blend of 50% STP and the latter being 600w.

Pop out that leaking bolt & smear sum #2 Permatex on the threads & putt'er back in, leak stopped!---OR, you could fill the steering with #2 Permatex, "they" say it NEVER HARDENS??
Bill W.

Tacoma Bob · 05-21-2015, 01:55 PM

Update! My F-100 is NOT a Mel/Randy Gross unit. Randy contacted me and had it been one of his it would have been made right immediately. I asked if I could ship it to him to inspect and correct the unit although it was not one of his. What a Gent as he is more than happy to check it out. It has always been a little loosy goosy for my tastes so I have fiddled with it but not road tested it yet.

Mitch//pa · 05-21-2015, 02:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tacoma Bob

Update! My F-100 is NOT a Mel/Randy Gross unit. Randy contacted me and had it been one of his it would have been made right immediately. I asked if I could ship it to him to inspect and correct the unit although it was not one of his. What a Gent as he is more than happy to check it out. It has always been a little loosy goosy for my tastes so I have fiddled with it but not road tested it yet.

X2 randy is a great guy and asset to us all

05-20-2015, 01:47 AM	#1
30aadoodlebug Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2014 Location: Boxborough, MA Posts: 274	Leaking Steering Box(s) Okay, so before I get berated by all of you, yes, I know that Model 'A's are supposed to leak. But, all three of mine are only leaking from the same spot: the steering box. I've put the new replacement end-plates in that go up around the horn rod, and still nothing has changed. I'm stumped, and don't want to tighten the bolts on the box any further to possibly alleviate the issue. Thoughts? Jon

05-20-2015, 06:25 AM	#3
Mitch//pa BANNED Join Date: May 2010 Location: Bucks County, PA Posts: 11,454	Re: Leaking Steering Box(s) i reassemble with new lower gaskets indian shellack them and the lower bolt threads.. there is no where for it to leak at that point unless it coming from higher up

05-20-2015, 06:39 AM	#4
Mike V. Florida Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: South Florida Posts: 14,054	Re: Leaking Steering Box(s) I guess the first question is, where is it leaking? __________________ What's right about America is that although we have a mess of problems, we have great capacity - intellect and resources - to do some thing about them. - Henry Ford II

05-20-2015, 11:27 AM	#6
Jacksonlll Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Michigan-- Member of Oakleaf of MARC Posts: 1,686	Re: Leaking Steering Box(s) Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) Mine all leaked out of the sector shaft. Through the bushings. There is no seal there. It will come out. Some people have devised an o ring to seal things off, and I have too. One of my cars has a zerk fitting for these bushings, so a shot of grease helps to seal things up.

05-20-2015, 11:51 AM	#7
raprice22 Member Join Date: Jul 2013 Posts: 80	Re: Leaking Steering Box(s) All I know is that at least once a season, I need to add 600W lube to my steering box. I have no idea where the stuff goes, but it needs a refill once in a while. I'm not really concerned about it. I don't see any indication of a leak on the garage floor. I might just try that Penrite stuff. I've seen it mentioned before. Rog

05-20-2015, 02:53 AM	#2
H. L. Chauvin Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 4,179	Re: Leaking Steering Box(s) Hi Jon, I may just be lucky that my steering box does not leak after re-build. Who knows what these 80 year old cars went through in years gone by? Try a "Search" for Penrite ..... many swear by this lube to stop the leaking in steering boxes. In my opinion, Americans can only be berated if we yield to our present day Government Un-American Insane Ideology. Thanks for your humble and sincere intelligent question ....... you are this Forum. Last edited by H. L. Chauvin; 05-20-2015 at 10:25 AM. Reason: typo

05-20-2015, 12:06 PM	#8
HoarseWhisperer Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Ontario, Canada Posts: 1,470	Re: Leaking Steering Box(s) Penrite Steering Box Lube was available at: http://www.restorationstuff.com __________________ I know a lot of things; I just can't remember them all. 1928 CCPU 82-A 1931 Roadster 40-B Dlx (Canadian)

05-20-2015, 01:21 PM	#10
burner31 Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: Shawnee, Ok Posts: 3,471	Re: Leaking Steering Box(s) Sector shaft, check your frame rail behind the box, if it has oil on it then it;s your sector shaft. I pulled the pitman arm, dropped the steering column in the cab, removed the two bolts holding the steering box and rotated enough to put another old thrust washer over the sector shaft and re-assembled, the thrust washer gets pressed against the frame and shaft/box and helps seal the leak. It's not a good fix, or a permanent fix but it did slow down the leak a whole, whole bunch, only took about an hour. Just got the car driving and not ready to tear the steering box apart just yet, this will hold until winter...i'm hoping. __________________ Keith Shawnee OK '31 SW 160-B

05-20-2015, 01:59 PM	#11
1931 flamingo Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: new britain,ct 06052 Posts: 9,390	Re: Leaking Steering Box(s) PennRite steering box lube is the way to go. JMO Paul in CT

05-20-2015, 02:29 PM	#12
Tacoma Bob Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Tacoma, WA Posts: 1,025	Re: Leaking Steering Box(s) I have the F-100 and it has leaked like a sieve since the install. Pennrite Has helped to a large degree and I would recommend it. I know many will laugh me out of the garage but I bought a small bread pan from the Dollar Store and pop riveted it to my sheet metal engine pan and every now and then I run a rag around to soak up what little lube is there.

05-20-2015, 06:07 PM	#13
BILL WILLIAMSON Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: FRESNO, CA Posts: 12,560	Re: Leaking Steering Box(s) "Someone" had pumped Minervas' 2 tooth box about 2/3 full of a clear looking grease, using the lower fitting. I topped it off with Valvoline 70/90 Synthetic Gear Oil. Within 2 weeks, the steering got easier & easier & it NEVER leaked. On a short, speedy, tight turn, it would "almost" recover to straight, BY ITSELF!! Bill W. __________________ "THE ASSISTANT GURU OF STUFF"

05-21-2015, 01:00 AM	#16
burner31 Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: Shawnee, Ok Posts: 3,471	Re: Leaking Steering Box(s) Then it's agreed...Penrite it is. It's worth a try and can't hurt. I'll find some in Okie land, somewhere. __________________ Keith Shawnee OK '31 SW 160-B

05-21-2015, 08:21 AM	#17
30aadoodlebug Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2014 Location: Boxborough, MA Posts: 274	Re: Leaking Steering Box(s) Hey all, Sorry for the absence (painting a deck). First, they're all a 2-tooth; second, it's leaking from the bottom bolt; third, I guess it's time for Penrite... Thanks again. J P.S. I use the recommended blend of 50% STP and the latter being 600w.

05-21-2015, 01:55 PM	#19
Tacoma Bob Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Tacoma, WA Posts: 1,025	Re: Leaking Steering Box(s) Update! My F-100 is NOT a Mel/Randy Gross unit. Randy contacted me and had it been one of his it would have been made right immediately. I asked if I could ship it to him to inspect and correct the unit although it was not one of his. What a Gent as he is more than happy to check it out. It has always been a little loosy goosy for my tastes so I have fiddled with it but not road tested it yet.