Modern Grease For Steering Gears
 

This is why modern grease is suitable for use in Model "A" steering gear boxes! A common feature of modern greases is that they possess a high initial viscosity, which upon the application of shear (sliding / rolling surfaces), drops to give the effect of an oil-lubricated bearing of approximately the same viscosity as the base oil used in the grease.

In the case of the Model "A's" steering, initially putting grease into the gear box seals the otherwise leaky sector gear bushings. Follow the grease with SAE140 synthetic gear oil and you will have a cleaner garage floor and driveway.

Re: Modern Grease For Steering Gears
 

Sounds good! I will give it a try. Thank you! Gary D.

Re: Modern Grease For Steering Gears
 

I have some of the "Cotton Picker Spindle Grease 00" that got discussed last year. Haven't put it in yet. It's described as "a smooth textured, corrosion preventive grease lubricant manufactured with a special low viscosity, low pour point base oil with a lithium thickener, as well as rust and oxidation inhibitors" – which sort of sounds like what you're talking about.

Re: Modern Grease For Steering Gears
 

Likely similar to John Deere Corn Header gearbox grease. There are several thixotropic greases on the market these days.

Re: Modern Grease For Steering Gears
 

Don't fill your steering box with grease, then top it off with gear oil, as suggested in a prior post.
The grease is pushed out of the way, and at that point the grease serves no further purpose.
In an original sector shaft housing, there is an oil passage at the top of the housing that leads to the space between the two sector shaft bushings. Filling the gearbox with grease will likely block that passage and will stop the sector bushings (or needle bearings if modified) from getting the lubrication they need.
If your steering box is leaking from the sector shaft, rebuild it, or use a heavier gear oil - but don't fill it full of grease to stop it from leaking.

Re: Modern Grease For Steering Gears
 

Some guys are using John Deere Corn Head Grease because of its thixotropic property, which sounds perfect for the steering gear. However, note that it is a polyurea type grease and is listed as incompatible with the more common lithium greases.

Re: Modern Grease For Steering Gears
 

Timely thread. Just rebuilt 2 tooth box, which was leaking with JD Corn Head grease (liquified and component separation), and resealed the bottom light switch bolt thru holes, etc. I'm now using non syn 1500w gear lube in the box and rear end.