leaking steering gear box

[oldredford]

I have 2 Model A's and they both leak at the steering box. What is the cause and what is the fix? Thanks

 

[wrndln]

What kind of steering boxes are they - 7 tooth (I have some experience with leaking 7 tooth columns) or 2 tooth (I have none on this type).
Rusty Nelson

 

[Gary WA]

Where on the box do they leak????

 

[columbiA]

If you have the 2-tooth column--has the shaft tube clamped to the steering box,you canbuy a lower plate that has a thin tube that extends above the oil level to prevent oil getting into the light switch.I think you can also get something similar for the 7-tooth column.If it is leaking out end of sector shaft,you can get an "O" ring to fit between box & frame.If there is any side to side movement in sector shaft,you will need new bushings & /or sector shaft.

 

[Mike V. Florida]

This is what I used years ago with great success;

Brattons # 5280

Brattons #5330

 

[pat in Santa Cruz]

use the parts Mike V has pictured, and fill the box with Pennrite steering fluid.

http://www.penriteoil.com.au/products.php?id_categ=14&id_products=90

if you have a 7 tooth box, get a 2 tooth unless you have a high point show car.

 

[spike]

bore the out side houseing and install the new type seal...install new bushings and hone to size....new gaskets with a new lower tube to seal the bottome and put 600w in it (4) onces and you are good to go

 

[Craig Lewis]

I first tried a carefully fitted gasket and permatex...it leaked.
After a year of watching the d*mn thing drip I tore it apart and installed an o-ring, seemingly a better choice.

It's easy to cut the grove with a small lathe. Chuck the housing with the sector shaft inside, now you can run a live centre off the already centre-drilled sector tip.
These pictures might help.
I rounded the tip of a tool bit and, with it, cut the grove just a smidge deeper than half round. Rubber grease the O-ring so it can slide for adjusting.
I also installed a lip seal on the shaft, plus needle brgs and the common tube seal at very bottom.

This one's been assembled (full of 600w) for a number years now & nary a drop on the cement floor.

 

[ctlikon0712]

Craig, nice job. I like the way you think! I think I'll save this thread for reference when its time to do mine.

 

[1931 flamingo]

As Pat in Santa Cruz said try the penrite steering box lube. My box leaked and all I did was install the penrite, no other mods. No leaky.
paul in CT

 

[Marshall57]

where did you find the Pennrite steering fluid?
Is there a source in America?

 

[1931 flamingo]

Restoration Supply Company
15182B Highland Valley Road
Escondido, CA 92025
1-800-306-7008 p/n LUB009 $15.75 (price may have changed)
1200w, EP,non-leaking, manual boxes, 500ml
Paul in CT

 

[HoarseWhisperer]

I had the same experience as Flamingo. The steering box leaked at the sector and had to be filled daily. Filled with Penrite Steering Box Lube a couple of years ago and haven't touched it since. An oil/grease blend that seems to coat well and prevent leaking.

Can be ordered in the US, by downloading their online catalog:

http://www.restorationstuff.com/catalog.html