MAFCA TecTip - Lub Steering Gear

[James G.]

I have this MAFCA book on Tiny Tips that recommends (on page 202, Second printing, March 2016) pumping in as much chassis grease as you can (then trun steering full L to full R a few times) and then filling voids with EP140 gear lubricant, as much as it will hold.
The claim is that the chassis grease will stop the usual leaks.

Anybody used this technique? Results? Recommendations?

I know about the "end plate with the long tube", Bratton's #5280.

Share your comments on comparison using the a)end plate w/tube vs b) chassis grease + EP140!in effectiveness based on your experience!
Jim G.

[J Franklin]

I mix plain chassis grease and 140 gear oil for steering boxes sometimes if they leak like a sieve. It does slow it down some. I do it as you described but I don't fill it with grease, just half/half.

[GRutter]

Wouldn't be my recommended solution, and I doubt it would stop a leak for any length of time. Most steering box leaks are through the bottom into the light switch or around the sector shaft. The end plate with long tube, as you mentioned, will fix that.

Grease will push away from the gear meshing surfaces and you may not properly lube the gears. The position of the fill hole and angle of the housing provides lubrication to the upper bearing, that you may inhibit.

If you're leaking oil out of the sector shaft you likely also have other steering issues such as excessive play.

Before I filled it full of grease as a solution, I would look to see what the real problem was and fix it.

[Synchro909]

I wouldn't recommend that solution. I think the straight grease might block the passageway in the sector housing that is meant to get lubrication to the sector shaft bushes. 50/50 grease and oil is probably OK but I'd mix them before filling the box.
That said, I use Penrite steering box lube or Corn Head Grease. Both V good.

[JOHN CT]

I just added Penrite to my steering box for the first time cuz I had a small leak. I found it quite thick to pour into the box so I let it sit in the sun for a hour then poured into the small hole with the bride turning the steering the wheel back and forth till it was full. So far no more leaks!!

[oldforder]

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I put "00" grease in mine, and seems to work good.

[J Franklin]

Originally Posted by oldforder

I put "00" grease in mine, and seems to work good.

I don't know what "00" grease is but if it doesn't have flow properties you will wear the gearing out faster.

I find also that adding the grease first usually covers the sector and bottom seals and the gear lube hangs around the gears and mixes with the grease with use. This might not work for you but we were asked about how it turned out. My steering gear has been rebushed doesn't leak. I would probably use Penrite if I had any but I have lots of grease and oils on the shelf. My mixes mimic the stuff.

[J Franklin]

double something? I'll post a photo of ? where I used to get parts and another name for the model "A bomb"

[Kurt in NJ]

I have home made standpipe up the bottom, o-ring between the housings, needle bearings and seal on the sector, holds 600W just fine --steers good

[Tom Endy]

I have always heard that grease is the wrong thing to put in a steering gear box. The best product I have found is Penrite. It is designed for old leaky steering boxes. When I first discovered it I had an old steering box that would empty itself on the garage floor overnight. Not a drip with Penrite. it is a very heavy oil the consistency of snot.


Tom Endy

[taffrail]

I have oil in my steering box now and have a small leak. I would like to try a grease, is there a screw that I can remove to drain the oil.

[J Franklin]

Originally Posted by taffrail

I have oil in my steering box now and have a small leak. I would like to try a grease, is there a screw that I can remove to drain the oil.

Don't use just grease! the oil in there will eventually mix or leak.

[Fordfan29]

I have been using corn head grease in an F-100 box for over a year with no leaks and no problems. It always had a slow drip with 600W. This is just my experience. I've added a zerk fitting at the bottom of the sector so I give it a bit of corn head grease when I lube the chassis. I've also removed the filler plug to look at the lube in the box when the steering is turned. It does flow but is slow. It was a pain to fill & get the voids worked out but it appears to be getting to the upper bearing okay.

I totally agree with not using grease in the box.

[100IH]

Taffrail, there is no drain plug on earth for grease. Think about if you change your mind later.

[Chuck Sea/Tac]

I use pennrite. It stopped the small leak I had. Sounds like cornhead works well also. Basically they’re a self leveling grease?

[1931 flamingo]

I've been recomending the PENN-RITE steering box lube for the past 6-7 years.


NO LEAKEE ! ! !


Paul in CT

[James G.]

OK, Sounds like my next move but where can I purchase Penrite steering box lub?? I've tried Pep Boys, NAPA, Advanced Auto, etc. etc.
I even shopped on Amazon/Ebay, and all I found was for sale overseas, no locals at all.
HELP

[iverson]

I read about corn head grease here and after about a year no leaks. I took out a side bolt then pumped c.h. grease in until all the old 600w came out. our 28 has the original top fitting I used the adaptor that screws on modern grease gun to fit original fittings. I do give it a pump every once in a while no leaks yet

[WHN]

Cornhead grease in steering box and in u-joint. Works great. No leaks or drips.

[Tom Endy]

Originally Posted by James G.

OK, Sounds like my next move but where can I purchase Penrite steering box lub?? I've tried Pep Boys, NAPA, Advanced Auto, etc. etc.
I even shopped on Amazon/Ebay, and all I found was for sale overseas, no locals at all.
HELP

Restoration Supply Co.
Escondido, CA
800-306-7008


stock no. LUB009 .5 Liter.
Was about $16 several years ago. Best to order more than one for some club members as the shipping for one cost as much as the product.


Tom Endy