My 39 Master Deluxe seems to have a lack of lubricant in the steering box. Maybe this is why it's hard as heck to steer. What's the best stuff to put in there? Someone suggested Lucas Gear Oil? Will that work is there something better? Thanks, Regmudd
john deere cornhead grease . self leveling but thick also . works wonderfully & not that xpensive either . frank
I had to get my John Deere cornhead grease when we went on vacation to North Platte Ne. It was less than $3.00 for a tube. Probably could have found it in the Sacramento Valley as they grow a lot of corn there, but none here in Napa.
...I`ve been using it in mine for a few years now ....very good product ....get at nearest John Deere Dealership.....pump it in with a grease gun....good to go
"I had to get my John Deere cornhead grease when we went on vacation to North Platte Ne. It was less than $3.00 for a tube. Probably could have found it in the Sacramento Valley as they grow a lot of corn there, but none here in Napa."
Keith,
I'm just over the hill from you in Santa Rosa. Wouldn't Tractor Supply have that Corn Head Grease? I was at the one in Windsor recently and they have a lot of pieces for my 1952 Ford 8N. It's truly astonishing what is available new for those ancient Ford tractors.
Ray W
Keith, according to the John Deere web site, the closest dealer to Napa is Belkorp AG, 4101 S MOORLAND AVE, SANTA ROSA CA 95407-8186, phone 707-584-9111.
I picked up my tube of Corn Head Grease at a dealer and the cost was $2.
;-) Dean
I've been told not to use Gear Oil as it may leak. Found Corn Head Grease here at a John Deere Dealer. Tube was on bottom shelve, looked like it had been there 10 years, it was 4.00. Thought it was Cheap, guess I paid full retail. Oh well, will probably be the only tube I ever buy.
"I've been told not to use Gear Oil as it may leak"
Jon,
In the early 1970s before I knew about Cornhead grease or the Shell Oil equivalent I machined the sector housing of my '36 PU for an oil seal and put in gear lube. While the steering box was apart I also put new bushings in the sector shaft and had an engine shop hone them for a perfect fit on the sector shaft. That has worked out well without any leaking out. I got that idea because the '71 Dodge van that I bought new and still have uses gear oil in the steering box.
Gear oil may be superior to grease because it can seep along the sector shaft bushings despite the near-zero clearance. The issue is moot now because it was done 40+ years ago and seems to be working OK.
If I had the job to do over I would use needle bearings instead of bronze bushings just for the "cool" factor.
I know this is a different era but I had the steering box on my 51 1 Ton professionally rebuilt. The guy gave me a bottle of ordinary gear oil to use and it hasn't leaked a drop since. That is seven years and 30,000 miles ago.
Needle bearings is the best way to solve the problem.
You can only use needle bearings if you have a lip seal to contain the lubricant. Doesn't much matter what lubricant but higher viscosity leaks less. As long as it flows it will lube the bearings or bushings.
I have a 1941 Master Deluxe that has not been restored. It was a barn find and was made roadworthy by new fuel lines, new brke lines........I have never heard of this steering box lubricant thing. I live in Milwaukee, and I bought it in fall and have since gotten it out of winter storage. I have the 1941 manual and did not see this in there.
Gustave,
Look on page 11 of your shop manual. There is a paragraph dedicated to Steering Gear Lubrication.
Look here-----
http://chevy.oldcarmanualproject.com/shop/1941/41csm011.htm
I don't get over to Santa Rosa very often. So as we stayed a couple of days in North Platte, as my brother an I were driving around we stopped and I bought it then. Will keep both places in mind if I need anymore.
Thank you so much, ken48. This information is very beneficial for me, mainly because I have no idea when or if any of these operation were done. This 1941 Master Deluxe was in a barn from the early '80's until April of 2014 where numerous safety items were replaced; fuel tank and lines, brakes and lines, carburetor. These simple things that made the car drivable. Thanks again.
Regards,
Gus...
tgille.tg@gmail.com