Steering Gear Lubricant Leak

[Charles Reese]

Despite my best efforts, including new gaskets/sealer and a steering shaft retainer with tube, I just found a slow oil leak into the light switch body. I used the popular vendor supplied ‘600w’ oil and added a tablespoon or so of STP. I filled the housing to where I can just see the fluid through the Alemite fitting hole (perhaps I have overfilled?) ... interestingly, there is no oil on the horn rod when i removed it so I dont think it is spilling over the top of the tube.

Any suggestions as to maybe a more viscous (grease like) lubricant?

[CWPASADENA]

Restoration Supply in Escondido, California has thicker lubricants. I think they have everything up to 1500W.

I am getting some for the steering gear in my "A". It works just fine but leaks a little, and I do not want to go to the trouble to remove it and take it apart at this time.

I hope this helps,

Chris

[Bassman/NZ]

Use grease mixed with a little STP. It amounts to the same thing as 1500W oil.

[quickchange]

I always pack the box in rebuilding with grease,Once installed wobble the steering wheel which will create a gap around the teeth, then just add the 600w oil , The grease will stop all leaks, Did you use the modified bottom plate with the tube which extends up the steering shaft ???

[Charles Reese]

thanks for these ideas ... yes, i did use the aftermarket 'bottom plate with tube' gizmo. will check the weld on it when i tear into the box again ...

[Keith True]

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Take a good look at the tube/retainer.Some are crimped on the end and will leak.I have one that appears to have a seamed tube,when it was crimped through the hole in the plate the seam opened up.I had to braze it before using it.

[CWPASADENA]

Originally Posted by Bassman/NZ

Use grease mixed with a little STP. It amounts to the same thing as 1500W oil.

I am not a big fan of just adding STP to a lubricant. STP is not much of a lubricant itself but just a viscosity modifier. You could also add a little Motor Oil to grease and make it thinner which would probabilly be a better over all lubricanrt then a mix of STP and Grease.

I like to use a lubricant that is refigned and blended for a specific purpose.

The 1500W oil Restoration Supply has comes from England and is primarily used for old worm gear boxes where the seals are non existant.

Again, This is just my opinion about STP and I do not intend to start a big protracted discussion about the product. I am just trying to answer the question the originator of this thread asked.

Chris.

[Louis]

My steering gear box started leaking last aug. i filled it up with 100% grease. it work's great, and not a drop of oil on the garage floor.
You can always fix it later, or never which is my plan-- jmo .

[Glenn C.]

Presuming your steering box is of the 7 tooth design.....were you able to find a bottom plate with a small enough tube on the O.D. to slide up into the steering shaft without having to bore out the inside diameter of the shaft ? I went with the oil and grease idea on one steering box, as recommended above. Works great for now.

[Jack '29 Sport Coupe]

Not a believer in STP in the steering box, just 600W. The only time mine leaks
is when I put in a tad too much. A friend of mine uses grease in his
and it steers like a car with a broken power steering belt. UGH. JMHO

Jack

[Russ/40]

On my 7 tooth, I did have to bore out the end of the shaft for the brass tube. I Had my box in and out 4 times before I stopped the leaks. One from the thrust adjustment screw - used a copper washer under the lock nut. Another from one of the three bolts holding the plate on - Common sealer worked there. Another from the threaded area the brass tube is attached to - used some epoxy to seal the threads. And last but not least, from the area between the light switch bail plate where it is mounted to the fitting at the bottom end of the housing. ( the area where there is a knurled interference fit between the two pieces. ( hard to explain ) Ran a small bead of JB there, as those two pieces are not supposed to come apart.

[J Franklin]

I guess grease and oil was much cheaper in the 1930's

[Louis]

Originally Posted by Jack '29 Sport Coupe

Not a believer in STP in the steering box, just 600W. The only time mine leaks
is when I put in a tad too much. A friend of mine uses grease in his
and it steers like a car with a broken power steering belt. UGH. JMHO

Jack

Jack, your friend waited untill the damage was done .
If they had the modern day grease In the "A" model era. Henry would have used it .....JMHO.

[Jack '29 Sport Coupe]

He had modern grease.

Jack