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Old 04-01-2020, 05:51 AM   #1
DNLs1930
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Default 600w leaking out of steering box

Steering was kinda sloppy/loose so I checked the oil level and NO OIL. It was not "dry" but seems to have a little grease in the steering box. I added the 600WT oil and it is leaking so obviously the reason for the "grease".


I have read about Pinrite, Corn Head and 1200 WT grease/oil so guessing I just need to choose one.


I have also read about the wiring being affected by steering box leaks so thinking I need to take this all apart and clean then pack the steering box with grease. Yes/ No. maybe?


The steering works fine so not at a rebuild point (IMO) which is based on very limited Model A experience.



I'm located in Texas so it will get hot here and not really sure I will be cruzin in 100F+ temps but ya never know.



How does Corn Head grease hold up to higher temps? Liquefy and leak?



THANKS as always!!
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Old 04-01-2020, 05:59 AM   #2
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Default Re: 600w leaking out of steering box

Can’t answer about corn head but
There is a fix that entails replacing the bottom plate with one that has a tube.and seals the base
Check parts dealers
Yes grease can affect wiring
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Old 04-01-2020, 06:03 AM   #3
DNLs1930
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Default Re: 600w leaking out of steering box

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Originally Posted by Oldbluoval View Post
Can’t answer about corn head but
There is a fix that entails replacing the bottom plate with one that has a tube.and seals the base
Check parts dealers
Yes grease can affect wiring

Yep I saw the end plate and tube; you think this is the more "normal" fix?
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Old 04-01-2020, 06:22 AM   #4
David R.
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Default Re: 600w leaking out of steering box

I completely rebuilt mine and used the tube style end plate but it still leaked. Turned out the cap screws for end plate was tapped into housing and was leaking around threads. Removed screws and added sealant and no more leaks. Don’t use grease. It will work away from where you need it. Use the 600W. You can expect a little leak around sector shaft in use, but you should be able to keep bottom dry with the tube type plate and good gasket (and permatex on bolts).
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Old 04-01-2020, 06:28 AM   #5
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Default Re: 600w leaking out of steering box

Get the new plate with the tube. I just replaced mine last month and it solved my leaking issues
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Old 04-01-2020, 06:53 AM   #6
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Default Re: 600w leaking out of steering box

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Quote:
Originally Posted by DNLs1930 View Post
Steering was kinda sloppy/loose...


The steering works fine so not at a rebuild point (IMO) which is based on very limited Model A experience.

This is just my opinion but if the steering is indeed sloppy and loose, the steering is likely NOT working fine. I'd say you ARE at a rebuild point. You did not indicate whether this is a 7-tooth or a 2-tooth gearbox, but there is more than just adding the tube on the end. It may be that some parts may be re-usable however you probably should take the time to ensure everything from the sector bushings to the shaft bearings/bushings are within specs.
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Old 04-01-2020, 06:54 AM   #7
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Default Re: 600w leaking out of steering box

First, get yourself a Les Andrews red book and find out why your steering is sloppy/loose.

Then go with both Penrite and the tube and that will help.
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Old 04-01-2020, 10:26 AM   #8
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Default Re: 600w leaking out of steering box

It sounds like you may need a rebuild of the box but in the short term, you can try to adjust it to get as much play out of it as you can then install a tube and use Penrite, Corn Head, or 1200W. All will work well but do not fill it up with grease. It will not "flow" and the internal parts will not get proper lubrication.


My opinion.


Chris W.
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Old 04-01-2020, 10:46 AM   #9
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Default Re: 600w leaking out of steering box

There is a fix for the leak through the sector shaft bushings. An external o ring that works pretty good. Check the catalog.
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Old 04-01-2020, 12:28 PM   #10
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Default Re: 600w leaking out of steering box

As above, clean the exposed wiring, install the tube assy AND PennRite steering box lube. NO leakee.
Paul in CT
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Old 04-01-2020, 12:28 PM   #11
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Default Re: 600w leaking out of steering box

I use cornhead grease in all of mine. Its not really a grease per se, more of a super 600W. I get it at John Deere dealers.
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Old 04-01-2020, 12:39 PM   #12
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Default Re: 600w leaking out of steering box

And THIS is why we have such awesome (people) cars!!!


I have a 2 tooth steering box installed.

I have the Les book and read about all the adjustments and was going to check/set them as well as add the grease.


I was thinking if I open up the box for the leak I might as well take it all apart and rebuild so guess I will start checking out that process as well.


As always thanks for the info and I will update as we go and will make some kind of documentation of the rebuild when that happens.

Last edited by DNLs1930; 04-01-2020 at 12:47 PM.
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Old 04-01-2020, 12:48 PM   #13
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Default Re: 600w leaking out of steering box

Grab your pitman arm and pull it toward you and away from you from the side of the car. If there is any movement in the sector shaft bushings, you must replace them. Make sure the pinch bolt is tight.
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Old 04-01-2020, 09:01 PM   #14
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Default Re: 600w leaking out of steering box

A good product to use in vintage steering boxes is Penrite lube. it is a very heavy oil, much like a grease, but it flows.

It can be procured from:

Restoration Supply Co.
15182B Highland valley Rd.
Escondido, CA 92025
800-306-7008

Not a good idea to use grease as it does not flow, and it will be pushed away from the gears.

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Old 04-02-2020, 08:39 AM   #15
DNLs1930
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Default Re: 600w leaking out of steering box

Quote:
Originally Posted by Tom Endy View Post
A good product to use in vintage steering boxes is Penrite lube. it is a very heavy oil, much like a grease, but it flows.

It can be procured from:

Restoration Supply Co.
15182B Highland valley Rd.
Escondido, CA 92025
800-306-7008

Not a good idea to use grease as it does not flow, and it will be pushed away from the gears.

Tom Endy
Thanks I have seen a lot of discussion about this oil and maybe a new endplate seal and tube coupled with this thicker oil will solve the leak.


The grease idea seems ok but I agree it would "move" away from the mating surfaces and provide less and less lubrication over time.
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Old 04-02-2020, 11:27 AM   #16
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Default Re: 600w leaking out of steering box

I have seen chassis grease mixed w/STP used for a flowable type grease. Don't ask me the proportions, but it seems to me it was 50/50.
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Old 04-02-2020, 01:24 PM   #17
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Default Re: 600w leaking out of steering box

Why mix up some concoction when you can buy something readily available that works?? JMO
Paul in CT
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Old 04-02-2020, 02:52 PM   #18
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Default Re: 600w leaking out of steering box

I used to use STP and I think it worked OK, but when a friend took it apart to put new gears in, the mess was awful. He is still trying to clean that mess up. Remember Dave???
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Old 04-02-2020, 08:00 PM   #19
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Default Re: 600w leaking out of steering box

About 5 years ago my wife commented that my steering was loose and I needed to tighten it up. So I did. And then I replaced my Pittman arm. And then I replaced my drag link, idler balls, front end, and all the other parts I could see. This led to a complete restoration (body off), so look out what you start. And my steering still has a little play in it.
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Old 04-05-2020, 08:27 PM   #20
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Default Re: 600w leaking out of steering box

Quote:
Originally Posted by LeRoiGross View Post
About 5 years ago my wife commented that my steering was loose and I needed to tighten it up. So I did. And then I replaced my Pittman arm. And then I replaced my drag link, idler balls, front end, and all the other parts I could see. This led to a complete restoration (body off), so look out what you start. And my steering still has a little play in it.
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