Leaky Steering Box

[Bob_Spidell]

My BJ8 is leaving a (larger than usual) oil spot on the flattened cardboard box that serves as a disposable drip pan and leak map. It appears to be leaking at the 'cover' (Moss# 667-835), where I know there is a shim pack and, possibly, a gasket. I know throwing Penrite or STP in there might lessen the leak, but I'm wondering why the box would start leaking suddenly at a place that doesn't experience any movement or wear?

Thoughts?

 

[Bobbydsport]

Possible temperature change, becoming much colder than usual causing the gasket to shrink up a bit ? A friend of mine from Calf. said they have been experiencing some much colder weather in certain parts of the state.

Bobbyd

 

[Keoke]

Well Bob:

The adjustment screw in the top does cause some stress to be put on the lid when the steering is used.

As Bobbyd suggested this colder en "L" weather we are having may also contribute to the problem
.
You might just tighten up on the fasteners a bit and see if it will stop leaking.

 

[andrea]

Bob
your car is in the heated garage ...!!
look also to the olive nut

 

[steveg]

My BJ8 is leaving a (larger than usual) oil spot on the flattened cardboard box that serves as a disposable drip pan and leak map. It appears to be leaking at the 'cover' (Moss# 667-835), where I know there is a shim pack and, possibly, a gasket. I know throwing Penrite or STP in there might lessen the leak, but I'm wondering why the box would start leaking suddenly at a place that doesn't experience any movement or wear?

Thoughts?

If snugging up the bolts doesn't fix it or if you have to replace the gasket, suggest use of Penrite or John Deere Corn Head grease instead of gear oil, as they'll be less likely to leak. STP not good as it has no lubricating properties.

 

[blueskies]

If snugging up the bolts doesn't fix it or if you have to replace the gasket, suggest use of Penrite or John Deere Corn Head grease instead of gear oil, as they'll be less likely to leak. STP not good as it has no lubricating properties.

I second that John Deere Corn Head grease suggestion. The great thing is that one can buy it at the John Deere dealer, if one has a JD dealer close by. Getting it into the steering box can be a bit of an issue, as it is quite thick. It comes in a grease tube, so one method is to put one of those long pointy tips on the grease gun and inject it into the steering box through the fill hole. Once it settles, inject a little more.

 

[drambuie]

I second that John Deere Corn Head grease suggestion. The great thing is that one can buy it at the John Deere dealer, if one has a JD dealer close by. Getting it into the steering box can be a bit of an issue, as it is quite thick. It comes in a grease tube, so one method is to put one of those long pointy tips on the grease gun and inject it into the steering box through the fill hole. Once it settles, inject a little more.

. Maybe warming it up in the wife's oven a bit may help a little ... Just as long as she doesn't serve it up for your dinner! Just kidding about the suggestion

 

[blueskies]

. Maybe warming it up in the wife's oven a bit may help a little ... Just as long as she doesn't serve it up for your dinner! Just kidding about the suggestion

Hmmm, you might have something there; it is called Corn Head Grease. I wonder if it contains corn? And what's a corn head? No idea.

 

[steveg]

I second that John Deere Corn Head grease suggestion. The great thing is that one can buy it at the John Deere dealer, if one has a JD dealer close by. Getting it into the steering box can be a bit of an issue, as it is quite thick. It comes in a grease tube, so one method is to put one of those long pointy tips on the grease gun and inject it into the steering box through the fill hole. Once it settles, inject a little more.

Scuderia Silva has a good point: when you've got the steering box filled, operate the steering wheel lock-to-lock a couple of times and you'll see the box is only half full.
https://youtu.be/4UwsfMPWuGg

 

[steveg]

Hmmm, you might have something there; it is called Corn Head Grease. I wonder if it contains corn? And what's a corn head? No idea.

Google it and see.

 

[blueskies]

Google it and see.

Not what I was expecting! Google has this:

 

[steveg]

Not what I was expecting! Google has this:

Ya gotta use the words 'John Deere' and prolly 'grease' though I like the result!