Leaky steering box

Coreyfatboy

Coreyfatboy

Member
I have a 36 ford pick up and thought I had a bad oil leak and when I put it on my lift found it to be the steering box. Is this a hard fix. Thanks
 
Depends where it is leaking from.There is a bottom plate where the light switch clips on.This plate is scewed to the box with 2,1/4 screws.The plate has a tube swedged to it which extends up inside the steering box.This tube often is loose or broken causing a leak into the light switch.You can buy this plate or repair yours.There is a gasket between the plate and the box.The other comon leak is caused by worn steering shaft bushings/shaft,which should be repaired.A thicker gear oil that can be obtained from restoration supply in Ca. will slow down the leak.
 
Low temp grease works good. It's right next to the exhaust manifold so it don't
make the steering hard. G.M.
 
The play you find in the steering wheel generally indicates worn tie rod ends, or worn gears. Lay under the truck and have someone turn the wheel in both directions while you look for play in the tie rod. When any play in the tie rod ends is taken care of, you might be able to adjust the steering gear itself. Try all that before tearing the steering box out and taking it apart.
 
Penn-Rite steering box lube is the easy way out. Available from Restoration Specialties, Escondido, CA. They have a web site, about $15 + shipping.
Paul in CT
 
I used Lucas heavy duty oil stabilizer, its ok . maybe try the Penrite stuff and see how you go. There are very fine gaskets on that end plate so be careful if you pull it away.
 
trainguy said:
Depends where it is leaking from.There is a bottom plate where the light switch clips on.This plate is scewed to the box with 2,1/4 screws.The plate has a tube swedged to it which extends up inside the steering box.This tube often is loose or broken causing a leak into the light switch.You can buy this plate or repair yours.There is a gasket between the plate and the box.The other comon leak is caused by worn steering shaft bushings/shaft,which should be repaired.A thicker gear oil that can be obtained from restoration supply in Ca. will slow down the leak.
Click to expand...


that is where my steering box leaks from, I figure it keeps the light switch lubed up...LOL
 
Coreyfatboy-

Replace!! "35-'36 boxes are notorious for leaking even under the best of circumstances. Do yourself a HUGE favor and install a '37-'39 steering gear box. Granted, it involves some work but the end result is a better box (feels like power steering), easy to adjust and greatly reduces the tendency to leak. Go for it!

Tom
 
The original steering box on my 35 fordor sedan leaks bad when I use gear oil. Just before leaving home for the cross country tour I filled the box with JD Corn Head Grease. No leakage in the last 3,000 miles. I really don't want to change to the later box with rolling sector on an original Rouge class car. It steers fine with original steering gear.
 
+1 for the John Deere corn head grease. Its made for "fill for life" gear applications and works well in steering boxes. Much thinner than typical grease.
 
Just as an FYI, the above company out of Escondido, CA is called Restoration Supply Company, not specialties, in case you were looking for it and going to go that route
1200w lube at $15. I was trying to find it under that name and didn't just trying to help out, thanks to Paul in CT., I did not know about this company.
 
I converted my '36 to a '40 steering box in 1955, what a difference, like adding power steering to the car.. Especially when trying to park.
I have used Motor Honey, STP, etc., in old car steering gears.. Works great.. Leave it sit in the sun for awhile, put a small funnel into the gear box and slowly pore the oil in..
The Motor Honey/STP is very sticky, does a good job of adhering to gears, shafts, etc..
 
The Gemmer I type steering box designs aren't as good as the 37 on Gemmer II design with the rolling sector gear but they will work if you just want to drive the truck occasionally. The only place the sector & pitman will have little or no play is if the box is centered for driving straight down the road. It should be checked with the front wheels off the ground & centered. The play is ajustable to a certain degree. If the worm has excessive wear or galling pits in its gear surface, then it will have a notchy feel to it and will require replacement.
 
Charlie NY (Charlie Schwendler) did an excellent job of rebuilding a 37 box for us.

He always goes the extra mile. Highly recommended.
 
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