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Posted By: timbeilby 1938 Steering Box. - 10/21/17 07:02 PM
There is a plug at the far end of the steering box Shop Manual page 208 top left had corner.
Is this a freeze plug or some other type of plug?
Posted By: Jonjet Re: 1938 Steering Box. - 10/21/17 07:44 PM
If it's the same as a 35 it's a plug you can take out and inset a grease zerk to add grease.
Posted By: Chev Nut Re: 1938 Steering Box. - 10/21/17 08:54 PM
The "plug" for adding lubricant is a pipe plug with a suqare end.
The factory does not recommend adding a grease fitting for fear the steering box can becomed over filled and grease working its way up the column. Also chassis grease should not be used as it will not flow into the bushings and bearings.
I mix chassis grease with trans. gear oil to get a medium mix and it can be slowly poured in.
Posted By: timbeilby Re: 1938 Steering Box. - 10/24/17 01:38 AM
Jon,

Thank you for your reply.

I am referring to the plug that is about 1 1/4" that is at the end of the steering housing (Group 6.785) in the master parts cat.
There is also another picture of it on page 207 of the repair manual, it is either convex or concave.

Hope this of help.
Posted By: timbeilby Re: 1938 Steering Box. - 10/24/17 01:38 AM
Thank you for your reply.

I am referring to the plug that is about 1 1/4" that is at the end of the steering housing (Group 6.785) in the master parts cat.
There is also another picture of it on page 207 of the repair manual, it is either convex or concave.

Hope this of help.
Posted By: Chev Nut Re: 1938 Steering Box. - 10/24/17 02:26 AM
The steering worm shaft passes through that opening when it is installed or removed.
Posted By: Tiny Re: 1938 Steering Box. - 10/24/17 11:56 AM
If your plug is gone you can likely find a soft plug the correct size. Mine was gone and we found one to fit.
Posted By: timbeilby Re: 1938 Steering Box. - 10/25/17 01:15 PM
Do you remember where you got it, if the plug was brass or steel and how thick it was.

Thank you for your help.
Posted By: chevy1937 Re: 1938 Steering Box. - 10/25/17 02:29 PM
You can pick one up at your local auto part store. They are soft steel.
Posted By: timbeilby Re: 1938 Steering Box. - 11/12/17 03:58 AM
Good Evening

page 9 of the 1938 Chevrolet Shop Manual.
Steering Gear Lubrication
Mineral oil with 4% to 6% soap
What do you make of that?
Posted By: Chev Nut Re: 1938 Steering Box. - 11/12/17 04:56 AM
At the rate they wore out I would say it is bad advise.
In the later years GM sold a steering box grease that was just thin enough to flow into the tight fitting parts.
Posted By: terry hicks Re: 1938 Steering Box. - 11/12/17 09:04 AM
I use Penrite Steering Box lube in my cars. Basically it is slumping grease.
Posted By: bloo Re: 1938 Steering Box. - 11/13/17 06:45 AM
So do I. It's great stuff. It stays in the steering box. Heavy gear oil just ran out on the ground.
Posted By: timbeilby Re: 1938 Steering Box. - 11/13/17 07:08 PM
thank you
Posted By: Rusty 37 Master Re: 1938 Steering Box. - 11/14/17 04:09 PM
I am using John Deere Corn Head Grease (AN102562)in the steering gearbox on my '37 Master coupe. It is a NGLI #0 self leveling grease. Other ag machinery companies and co-ops such as Cenex sell it.

This type grease has reduced viscosity when load is applied to it such as between the teeth on the worm and sector. That means it will flow between the surfaces and provide lubrication.

The real advantage is that the viscosity will be greater away from the load areas so it will not leak out between the shaft and bushing.
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