The Ford Barn

Synchro909 · 04-19-2022, 12:27 AM

For many years, I have used John Deere cornhead grease in the steering box of my cars. Today, I went to buy more and was told it is no longer available. Is that true or is it just a BS line from a salesman who can't be bothered. Maybe it's just another product caught up in the supply problems the world is experiencing. Looking forward to hearing yay or nay and if nay, finding out what others use now.

Brentwood Bob · 04-19-2022, 12:41 AM

Listed on Amazon.
https://www.amazon.com/John-Deere-Co.../dp/B00CSBOLL8

Synchro909 · 04-19-2022, 01:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brentwood Bob

Listed on Amazon.
https://www.amazon.com/John-Deere-Co.../dp/B00CSBOLL8

And "Currently Unavailable".
I'm wondering whether I could mix some grease and say, some conventional steering box lube to get something that will just flow so as to always get to the gears and yet thick enough to limit leakage. Any opinion on whether they would separate? Ordinary grease will separate into thicker grease and a thinner oily substance that would leak.
With the steering box right near the exhaust on a RHD car, would ordinary grease be OK (it would get warm)?

Brentwood Bob · 04-19-2022, 01:51 AM

Don't know.

quickchange · 04-19-2022, 02:41 AM

still buy it here , bought some the other day , Maybe i can ship you some or come collect ,

updraught · 04-19-2022, 03:23 AM

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Quote:

Originally Posted by Synchro909

For many years, I have used John Deere cornhead grease in the steering box of my cars. Today, I went to buy more and was told it is no longer available. Is that true or is it just a BS line from a salesman who can't be bothered. Maybe it's just another product caught up in the supply problems the world is experiencing. Looking forward to hearing yay or nay and if nay, finding out what others use now.

Our local John Deere a few years ago said that if you want one you have to buy a box of them. The local agent only sells push type lawn mowers from a tin shed. I was hoping to test drive a header or something, but no.

Had no such problem getting one tube at a dealer in the north of the country in a country area.

Big hammer · 04-19-2022, 07:20 AM

I’am surprised you don’t use Penrite steering oil? it’s leakless, made in Australia

rotorwrench · 04-19-2022, 08:03 AM

I am familiar with the agri-business here in the US since my family is still involved in farming but don't know a thing about Australia's agricultural or farming business. The stuff is stocked largely in areas where corn is produced here in North America. The product is used by owners of equipment that was not produced by John Deere as well but there are even other companies that make a similar urea based lubricants here.

If similar products are produced in your region, you might look into those products. It's bound to save a lot on shipping.

Leaky steering boxes can generally be repaired with a new bushings or sometimes with an o-ring, new gaskets, or new seal but the old model As used the W600 oil which is similar to SAE-140 gear oil. It's some pretty thick stuff. With old Fords, it boils down to how fast it leaks all the lubricant out since they were not completely oil tight when new.

LeonardS · 04-19-2022, 08:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Synchro909

And "Currently Unavailable".
I'm wondering whether I could mix some grease and say, some conventional steering box lube to get something that will just flow so as to always get to the gears and yet thick enough to limit leakage. Any opinion on whether they would separate? Ordinary grease will separate into thicker grease and a thinner oily substance that would leak.
With the steering box right near the exhaust on a RHD car, would ordinary grease be OK (it would get warm)?

I just looked and it said 17 in stock at Amazon.

Keith True · 04-19-2022, 08:38 AM

Read the spec sheets for corn head grease and cotton picker spindle grease.Looks like the difference is the labels.I buy it at tractor supply.

Synchro909 · 04-19-2022, 06:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LeonardS

I just looked and it said 17 in stock at Amazon.

I see on Amazon that it is "currently unavailable". Even if it were available over there, I couldn't buy it and have it shipped. UPS, Fedex etc are all way too expensive and USPS don't ship to this part of the world, as I have said before.
There have been enough of you say that it is available over thee that I'm starting to think it is another one of those supply chain problems. I might just have to wait. It being called "grease", I suspect a shipper will assume it is flammable and the regulations for shipping flammable items are very onerous.
As for using Penrite steering box lube (which is semi fluid grease), I find it does slowly leak.
Thanks guys, at least your replies have given me hope.

Synchro909 · 04-19-2022, 06:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by quickchange

still buy it here , bought some the other day , Maybe i can ship you some or come collect ,

Derek, When is your next decently large rally. We have done several over there so collecting it in person is inviting. Otherwise, would you please let me know what the postage would be for say, 4 tubes.

Terry, NJ · 04-19-2022, 07:53 PM

You might try Lucas Hub oil too. Someone mentioned using STP in their shocks and it started me thinking, lessee I have some Hub Oil around and that's pretty good at staying in the box, why not? The trouble is that to properly fill a shock, you must take it apart first, then fill the cavities. then reassemble it. I think it (Hub Oil) will work in a steering box just fine.
Good Luck, Terry

old ugly · 04-19-2022, 08:08 PM

cornhead grease is still available here. i just bought 2 tubes yesterday.

Synchro909 · 04-19-2022, 10:04 PM

You might try Lucas Hub oil too. Someone mentioned using STP in their shocks and it started me thinking, lessee I have some Hub Oil around and that's pretty good at staying in the box, why not? The trouble is that to properly fill a shock, you must take it apart first, then fill the cavities. then reassemble it. I think it (Hub Oil) will work in a steering box just fine.
Good Luck, Terry

cornhead grease is still available here. i just bought 2 tubes yesterday.
__________________
old ugly

I have just checked and Lucas Hub Oil is available here. I think I'll give it a try till I can get Cornhead Grease again. If John Deere are still making it, the problem must be getting a supply over here. Maybe the agent has dropped it. Maybe the agent is behind with their orders. Who knows?
It would cost at least $100 for USPS to get a parcel here for a $5 tube. I think I'll wait till it's available at a JD dealer again or I have a decent order of other stuff coming.

Robert/Texas · 04-20-2022, 08:53 AM

I put Penrite in both of my A's and both early V8's steering boxes decades ago. I hadn't heard about Cornhead grease then and paid a high price for the Penrite. That completely stopped leaking in all of them and they all are easy to steer.

Jeff/Illinois · 04-20-2022, 10:03 AM

Penrite is good stuff I wouldn't be afraid to use it.

I live in the middle of the Cornbelt in Illinois and am retired from John Deere. Our local Deere dealer has all kinds of it no problem I was just in there last month and saw it on the shelf in the display area.

I have two tubes at home so didn't need anymore now.

I'd say that guy is just blowing smoke up your you-know-what just to get rid of you

daren007 · 04-20-2022, 12:57 PM

Installed a “O” ring many rears ago and serviced with 600 oil. No leaks.

KGBnut · 04-26-2022, 10:16 AM

Where I live all the farms are gone and replaced with condos. I did a long drive across country last year, stopped at a John Deere dealer in South Dakota and stocked up on Corn Head Grease for my universal joints.

In corn country, they still use Corn Heads, and they still need to be greased.

Ken

40 Deluxe · 04-26-2022, 01:41 PM

Did you know the grease used in front wheel drive CV joints is much the same stuff? It flows to all parts of the joint but doesn't leak if a boot gets torn. It will get flung out through a split in a boot at speed, but what splatters on the frame and suspension stays there; it doesn't drip on the ground.

04-19-2022, 12:27 AM	#1
Synchro909 Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: Melbourne, Australia Posts: 7,496	Corn head grease For many years, I have used John Deere cornhead grease in the steering box of my cars. Today, I went to buy more and was told it is no longer available. Is that true or is it just a BS line from a salesman who can't be bothered. Maybe it's just another product caught up in the supply problems the world is experiencing. Looking forward to hearing yay or nay and if nay, finding out what others use now. __________________ I'm part of the only ever generation with an analogue childhood and a digital adulthood.

04-19-2022, 12:41 AM	#2
Brentwood Bob Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: brentwood, ca Posts: 4,246	Re: Corn head grease Listed on Amazon. https://www.amazon.com/John-Deere-Co.../dp/B00CSBOLL8 Last edited by Brentwood Bob; 04-19-2022 at 12:57 AM.

04-19-2022, 01:51 AM	#4
Brentwood Bob Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: brentwood, ca Posts: 4,246	Re: Corn head grease Don't know.

04-19-2022, 02:41 AM	#5
quickchange Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Nelson. New Zealand Posts: 2,009	Re: Corn head grease still buy it here , bought some the other day , Maybe i can ship you some or come collect ,

04-19-2022, 07:20 AM	#7
Big hammer Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: Land of Lincoln Posts: 3,131	Re: Corn head grease I’am surprised you don’t use Penrite steering oil? it’s leakless, made in Australia __________________ Don't force it with a little hammer tap, tap, tap get a bigger hammer tap done

04-19-2022, 08:03 AM	#8
rotorwrench Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: San Antonio, Texas Posts: 16,436	Re: Corn head grease I am familiar with the agri-business here in the US since my family is still involved in farming but don't know a thing about Australia's agricultural or farming business. The stuff is stocked largely in areas where corn is produced here in North America. The product is used by owners of equipment that was not produced by John Deere as well but there are even other companies that make a similar urea based lubricants here. If similar products are produced in your region, you might look into those products. It's bound to save a lot on shipping. Leaky steering boxes can generally be repaired with a new bushings or sometimes with an o-ring, new gaskets, or new seal but the old model As used the W600 oil which is similar to SAE-140 gear oil. It's some pretty thick stuff. With old Fords, it boils down to how fast it leaks all the lubricant out since they were not completely oil tight when new. Last edited by rotorwrench; 04-19-2022 at 08:13 AM.

04-19-2022, 08:38 AM	#10
Keith True Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Epping N.H. Posts: 2,989	Re: Corn head grease Read the spec sheets for corn head grease and cotton picker spindle grease.Looks like the difference is the labels.I buy it at tractor supply.

04-19-2022, 07:53 PM	#13
Terry, NJ Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Bucks Co, Pa Posts: 3,740	Re: Corn head grease You might try Lucas Hub oil too. Someone mentioned using STP in their shocks and it started me thinking, lessee I have some Hub Oil around and that's pretty good at staying in the box, why not? The trouble is that to properly fill a shock, you must take it apart first, then fill the cavities. then reassemble it. I think it (Hub Oil) will work in a steering box just fine. Good Luck, Terry

04-19-2022, 08:08 PM	#14
old ugly Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2021 Location: alberta canada Posts: 585	Re: Corn head grease cornhead grease is still available here. i just bought 2 tubes yesterday. __________________ old ugly my old father-in-law told me. "listen close when people tell you how to do stuff they may know something. then do it the way you want."

04-19-2022, 10:04 PM	#15
Synchro909 Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: Melbourne, Australia Posts: 7,496	Re: Corn head grease You might try Lucas Hub oil too. Someone mentioned using STP in their shocks and it started me thinking, lessee I have some Hub Oil around and that's pretty good at staying in the box, why not? The trouble is that to properly fill a shock, you must take it apart first, then fill the cavities. then reassemble it. I think it (Hub Oil) will work in a steering box just fine. Good Luck, Terry cornhead grease is still available here. i just bought 2 tubes yesterday. __________________ old ugly I have just checked and Lucas Hub Oil is available here. I think I'll give it a try till I can get Cornhead Grease again. If John Deere are still making it, the problem must be getting a supply over here. Maybe the agent has dropped it. Maybe the agent is behind with their orders. Who knows? It would cost at least $100 for USPS to get a parcel here for a $5 tube. I think I'll wait till it's available at a JD dealer again or I have a decent order of other stuff coming. __________________ I'm part of the only ever generation with an analogue childhood and a digital adulthood.

04-20-2022, 08:53 AM	#16
Robert/Texas Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Burton, Texas Posts: 681	Re: Corn head grease I put Penrite in both of my A's and both early V8's steering boxes decades ago. I hadn't heard about Cornhead grease then and paid a high price for the Penrite. That completely stopped leaking in all of them and they all are easy to steer.

04-20-2022, 10:03 AM	#17
Jeff/Illinois Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 2,789	Re: Corn head grease Penrite is good stuff I wouldn't be afraid to use it. I live in the middle of the Cornbelt in Illinois and am retired from John Deere. Our local Deere dealer has all kinds of it no problem I was just in there last month and saw it on the shelf in the display area. I have two tubes at home so didn't need anymore now. I'd say that guy is just blowing smoke up your you-know-what just to get rid of you

04-20-2022, 12:57 PM	#18
daren007 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2015 Location: Saint Cloud Mn Posts: 745	Re: Corn head grease Installed a “O” ring many rears ago and serviced with 600 oil. No leaks.

04-26-2022, 10:16 AM	#19
KGBnut Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Southwestern Connecticut Posts: 931	Re: Corn head grease Where I live all the farms are gone and replaced with condos. I did a long drive across country last year, stopped at a John Deere dealer in South Dakota and stocked up on Corn Head Grease for my universal joints. In corn country, they still use Corn Heads, and they still need to be greased. Ken __________________ Style beats speed any day, and with a lot fewer tickets.

04-26-2022, 01:41 PM	#20
40 Deluxe Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: now Kuna, Idaho Posts: 3,779	Re: Corn head grease Did you know the grease used in front wheel drive CV joints is much the same stuff? It flows to all parts of the joint but doesn't leak if a boot gets torn. It will get flung out through a split in a boot at speed, but what splatters on the frame and suspension stays there; it doesn't drip on the ground.