VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - 1945 AND EARLIER 1937-1945 Steering gear lube

Is 80W90 a good lube for the steering box?

Its too thin. Imix it with chassis grease. Just so it can flow a little when warm.

Gene,

What do you think of John Deere Corn Head Grease? I think it was discussed before as an alternative to a mixture of oil and grease for steering boxes?

Thanks, Mike

Thanks Gene. Got some of each and will mix it up.

I have had no experiance with it. If it "almost" flows it would be better than straight chassis grease or straight gear oil. Do you have some to experiament with?

I make a 50-50 mix of 600 weight and STP. So far it works good, it flows, and it leaks a lot less.
Sid

On my 40 , it was leaking and I opted for the Corn Head grease....it is self leveling.....have had no problems with leakage.....looks a bit oily around the box , but no drips. Took about a tube and I just fed it in the top hole. I vote for the Corn Head, for leaky steering boxes !.....David

I just did an Advanced Search on "corn." I got a lot of articles on corn in ethanol gas but also found great endorsements for using the John Deere product. I think as others see the post they will come forward to endorse it's usage.

Ruscar's article was especially good.

Good luck, Mike

It is used quite a bit in model A's to reduce leakage. There is also a product call Penrite that is supposed to be even better. I don't have any experience with either only what others have reported.

I've used it in a number of vehicles and been pleased with the results. I bought it at the John Deere tractor store and the parts guy told me they use it in gear cases, he also told me that the guys who use chassis grease or gear oil have problems. They have been in business for 50+ years and that sold me on using it. Don

I use the JD Cornhead Grease and have had no issues with it. It's inexpensive, self leveling & doesn't require any mixing.

I'm gonna get me some of that there corn oil. Corn Head, that is.

The old 41 coupe could use some. Right now I'm using wheel bearing grease mixed with kerosene. I mix one part kerosene to 5 parts grease. Then I stir it up real good and then shoot it in with a grease gun. I call it Kerogrease. ....Aw, shucks, I'm just kidding you. I've been using 140 weight gear oil. Needs something stiffer. The Corn Head stuff sounds like the ticket.

Thanks to all who have recommended it. I hope it works as well for me as you have found it to be for you.

Best,
Charlie

The Penrite product is a bit more expensive, but works excellently. I've used it in three of my vehicles without any leaks or problems.

Jim