Leaking Steering Box(s)

30aadoodlebug

30aadoodlebug

Senior Member
Okay, so before I get berated by all of you, yes, I know that Model 'A's are supposed to leak. But, all three of mine are only leaking from the same spot: the steering box. I've put the new replacement end-plates in that go up around the horn rod, and still nothing has changed. I'm stumped, and don't want to tighten the bolts on the box any further to possibly alleviate the issue. Thoughts?

Jon
 
Hi Jon,

I may just be lucky that my steering box does not leak after re-build.

Who knows what these 80 year old cars went through in years gone by?

Try a "Search" for Penrite ..... many swear by this lube to stop the leaking in steering boxes.

In my opinion, Americans can only be berated if we yield to our present day Government Un-American Insane Ideology.

Thanks for your humble and sincere intelligent question ....... you are this Forum.
 
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i reassemble with new lower gaskets indian shellack them and the lower bolt threads.. there is no where for it to leak at that point unless it coming from higher up
 
H. L. Chauvin said:
Hi Jon,

I may just be lucky that my steering box does not leak after re-build.

Who know what these 80 year old cars went through in years gone by?

Try a "Search" for Penrite ..... many swear by this lube to stop the leaking in steering boxes.

In my opinion, Americans can only be berated if we yield to our present day Government Un-American Insane Ideology.

Thanks for your humble and sincere intelligent question ....... you are this Forum.
Click to expand...

Easier to get is Deere cornhead grease
 
Mine all leaked out of the sector shaft. Through the bushings. There is no seal there. It will come out. Some people have devised an o ring to seal things off, and I have too. One of my cars has a zerk fitting for these bushings, so a shot of grease helps to seal things up.
 
All I know is that at least once a season, I need to add 600W lube to my steering box. I have no idea where the stuff goes, but it needs a refill once in a while. I'm not really concerned about it. I don't see any indication of a leak on the garage floor.
I might just try that Penrite stuff. I've seen it mentioned before.
Rog
 
Jacksonlll said:
Mine all leaked out of the sector shaft. Through the bushings. There is no seal there. It will come out. Some people have devised an o ring to seal things off, and I have too. One of my cars has a zerk fitting for these bushings, so a shot of grease helps to seal things up.
Click to expand...

I did not devise one but bought it from the vendors.
 
Sector shaft, check your frame rail behind the box, if it has oil on it then it;s your sector shaft. I pulled the pitman arm, dropped the steering column in the cab, removed the two bolts holding the steering box and rotated enough to put another old thrust washer over the sector shaft and re-assembled, the thrust washer gets pressed against the frame and shaft/box and helps seal the leak.
It's not a good fix, or a permanent fix but it did slow down the leak a whole, whole bunch, only took about an hour.
Just got the car driving and not ready to tear the steering box apart just yet, this will hold until winter...i'm hoping.
 
I have the F-100 and it has leaked like a sieve since the install. Pennrite Has helped to a large degree and I would recommend it. I know many will laugh me out of the garage but I bought a small bread pan from the Dollar Store and pop riveted it to my sheet metal engine pan and every now and then I run a rag around to soak up what little lube is there.
 
"Someone" had pumped Minervas' 2 tooth box about 2/3 full of a clear looking grease, using the lower fitting. I topped it off with Valvoline 70/90 Synthetic Gear Oil. Within 2 weeks, the steering got easier & easier & it NEVER leaked. On a short, speedy, tight turn, it would "almost" recover to straight, BY ITSELF!!
Bill W.
 
30aadoodlebug said:
Okay, so before I get berated by all of you, yes, I know that Model 'A's are supposed to leak. But, all three of mine are only leaking from the same spot: the steering box. I've put the new replacement end-plates in that go up around the horn rod, and still nothing has changed. I'm stumped, and don't want to tighten the bolts on the box any further to possibly alleviate the issue. Thoughts?

Jon
Click to expand...

I keep waiting for this question...but haven't read it yet..

7 tooth or 2 tooth...?
 
H. L. Chauvin said:
Hi Jon,

I may just be lucky that my steering box does not leak after re-build.

Who knows what these 80 year old cars went through in years gone by?

Try a "Search" for Penrite ..... many swear by this lube to stop the leaking in steering boxes.

In my opinion, Americans can only be berated if we yield to our present day Government Un-American Insane Ideology.

Thanks for your humble and sincere intelligent question ....... you are this Forum.
Click to expand...

I agree,

I have been using Penrite 1200W Steering Box Lube for years in my early fords.

I get it from Restoration Supply, 800-306-7008. Escondido, Ca. There is probably someone closer to you.

My experience,

Chris W.
 
Then it's agreed...Penrite it is.
It's worth a try and can't hurt.
I'll find some in Okie land, somewhere.
 
Hey all, Sorry for the absence (painting a deck). First, they're all a 2-tooth; second, it's leaking from the bottom bolt; third, I guess it's time for Penrite...

Thanks again.

J

P.S. I use the recommended blend of 50% STP and the latter being 600w.
 
30aadoodlebug said:
Hey all, Sorry for the absence (painting a deck). First, they're all a 2-tooth; second, it's leaking from the bottom bolt; third, I guess it's time for Penrite...

Thanks again.

J

P.S. I use the recommended blend of 50% STP and the latter being 600w.
Click to expand...
Pop out that leaking bolt & smear sum #2 Permatex on the threads & putt'er back in, leak stopped!---OR, you could fill the steering with #2 Permatex, "they" say it NEVER HARDENS??
Bill W.
 
Update! My F-100 is NOT a Mel/Randy Gross unit. Randy contacted me and had it been one of his it would have been made right immediately. I asked if I could ship it to him to inspect and correct the unit although it was not one of his. What a Gent as he is more than happy to check it out. It has always been a little loosy goosy for my tastes so I have fiddled with it but not road tested it yet.:rolleyes:
 
Tacoma Bob said:
Update! My F-100 is NOT a Mel/Randy Gross unit. Randy contacted me and had it been one of his it would have been made right immediately. I asked if I could ship it to him to inspect and correct the unit although it was not one of his. What a Gent as he is more than happy to check it out. It has always been a little loosy goosy for my tastes so I have fiddled with it but not road tested it yet.:rolleyes:
Click to expand...

X2 randy is a great guy and asset to us all
 
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