Thread: Steering Box Question?

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While I was redoing my 27 I decided to try to fill the box with the 600 wt stuff and went to NAPA. I figured they would be a better shot than AutoZone type stores. They looked at me like I was from Mars and said they had never heard of the 600 wt stuff, so maybe as Bob said it has to come from a specialty house.........maybe some that deal with heavy equipment?

Don

Just a couple points then, first, the w behind the 600 originally meant "whale oil" (as an additive). Before it's use was banned whale oil was used in the presence of water (steam) as it would emulsify with the water and continue to lubricate. Using the word "weight" with lubricants drives people who know lubrication batty because there is no such reference in the world of tribology (as regards viscosity). It's one of those common usage things that has persisted, but is really meaningless. Not a shot at Pops, just reference.

Almost any of the Model A parts vendors will have repackaged 600w as hard core Model A restorer guys tend to resist change.

Thanks for the clarity Bob......... Well since I don't have a whale to squeeze I guess I'll just replace the seal, put some gear oil in it and go. If it seeps out the seal, I'll just pump it with grease. I'm pretty sure, even in my younger days, I can't crank it back and forth fast enough to make any differences in lube a real issue. As long as it's got lube I guess it will be ok....................
Oh Bob, I do appreciate the reply. Sometimes I just over think........

For what it's worth, I read on the P15-D24 forum that "Corn Head Grease", available from John Deere dealers is a good choice for steering boxes. I've purchased some of that grease, but have not added any yet. Supposedly, it will perform well, even if the steering box seal drips regular lube. My 1948 Plymouth has a bit of a leak at the steering box,, and I'm planning to give it a try.

Good tip. The box in my 27 has a slow leak too, so I might try that stuff. Thanks.

Don

You folks living in Florida probably don't have to worry, but be careful filling the box with grease if you live where it gets really cold.
A number off years back, I bought a CJ5 Jeep. Everything was OK until the first really cold day (-20F) when I promptly stuffed it into a snow bank on the first corner I came to.
The blasted wheel wouldn't turn. The PO had filled the steering box with grease and it had turned to cement in the cold. I had to clean the box out and replace it with gear oil to get it to operate when the temperature was low.

Originally Posted by RestoRod

You folks living in Florida probably don't have to worry, but be careful filling the box with grease if you live where it gets really cold.
A number off years back, I bought a CK5 Jeep. Everything was OK until the first really cold day (-20F) when I promptly stuffed it into a snow bank on the first corner I came to.
The blasted wheel wouldn't turn. The PO had filled the steering box with grease and it had turned to cement in the cold. I had to clean the box out and replace it with gear oil to get it to operate when the temperature was low.

See another thing I hadn't thought about. In central Texas it doesn't get that cold, but it does get into the 20's. Although I'm not young enough to drive a roadster in that temp....., it certainly would be a consideration for a closed cab, car or truck. Very good point......

Originally Posted by Oldguy48

For what it's worth, I read on the P15-D24 forum that "Corn Head Grease", available from John Deere dealers is a good choice for steering boxes. I've purchased some of that grease, but have not added any yet. Supposedly, it will perform well, even if the steering box seal drips regular lube. My 1948 Plymouth has a bit of a leak at the steering box,, and I'm planning to give it a try.

Might look into that as well. I have a JD dealer right down the road. Thanks