Farmall H steering gear

cjtravisllc · Jul 22, 2010

I'm restoring a 1945 Farmall H steering gear. The steering bolster housing the the worm gear and steering gear was filled with grease. I read in one manul that it should be filled with oil. Other publications aren't specific. Can someone specify which type lubrication should be used and if oil what weight? Thanks

Zachary Hoyt · Jul 22, 2010

Folks use grease if and when the oil seal starts to leak.
Zach

Janicholson · Jul 22, 2010

Mobil 1 Synthetic grease or JD corn head greas are ideal for older steering boxes. The grease does not drip out. Oil was in it from the factory. 90wt gear oil. Jim

Dave_Id · Jul 22, 2010

Is that corn head grease the same as the JD baler (knotter grease)? knotter grease is an excellent choice also.

cjtravisllc · Jul 22, 2010

Thanks for the info. I suspected that it was oil originally but as leaks developed was changed to grease. So, although I'm rebuilding the steering mechanism, it would be just as well putting one of the grease type lubes recommended vs. 90 wt. to eliminate potential leaks. This will have little if any effect on the operation of the steering?

pete 23 · Jul 22, 2010

I have never seen grease do a good job of lubricating the shaft below the gear and there fore wears the shaft. Put in a new bushing and seal and if shaft is good it will be good for many years. Corn head grease doesn't cut it . IH at one time had a additive that was used with engine oil in tractor transmissions before they developed hyddddd-tran fluid and that additive alone was the recommended full strength lube in all the manual steering boxes and it worked great, but they no longer have it so I use the best extreme pressure gear lube I can get my hands on.

TomH in PA · Jul 22, 2010

I don't know it grease vs gear lube effects the steering. Mine was empty the first time I opened it, I filled it with soft grease and it's been fine for about 15 years now.

Janicholson · Jul 23, 2010

Assure that a coating goes on the upper bushing and all is well. THe fiber based greas JD stuff, and Mobil 1 all are pulled into bearing journals with use, go for it. Jim

cjtravisllc · Jul 25, 2010

Can anyone recommend a supplier for both the upper and lower bushings and seals?

(quoted from post at 14:12:18 07/22/10) I have never seen grease do a good job of lubricating the shaft below the gear and there fore wears the shaft. Put in a new bushing and seal and if shaft is good it will be good for many years. Corn head grease doesn't cut it . IH at one time had a additive that was used with engine oil in tractor transmissions before they developed hyddddd-tran fluid and that additive alone was the recommended full strength lube in all the manual steering boxes and it worked great, but they no longer have it so I use the best extreme pressure gear lube I can get my hands on.

neblinc · Jul 26, 2010

I think the bushings are only available through CaseIH. And they are pricey!!
The seals can be had from any bearing or auto parts stores that can cross the IH part number.

Randy

Red Mist · Jul 27, 2010

(quoted from post at 10:12:18 07/22/10) Corn head grease doesn't cut it .

Corn head grease works great. It is a very, very "wet" grease and will creep into crevices and settle between gears. Yet, it is leak resistant. That is why it is highly recommended for motive steering boxes - not only on vintage tractor websites, but also vintage auto and racing car websites. mike

Farmall H steering gear

cjtravisllc

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Zachary Hoyt

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Janicholson

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Dave_Id

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cjtravisllc

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pete 23

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TomH in PA

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Janicholson

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cjtravisllc

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neblinc

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Red Mist

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