Replace seal and dust cap BJ8 steering box.

[steveg]

9 times out of ten replacing the seal won't fix the leak as the problem is not the seal but the shaft it fits around I even tried putting two seals in and it still leaked . The shaft could be scored or marked in some way . Save yourself a whole lot of time effort frustration cursing swearing bloodied knuckles and and don't forget money and just put the corn head grease in and be done with it ......permanently

On mine, the bushing was worn more than the shaft. I replaced the bushing and honed it to fit using a brake hone. Then two seals and first STP (found out it has no lube properties) then Penrite. So far, no leaks for about 8 years.
PS -- the only reason I used Penrite instead of Corn Head was I had already bought it before finding out about the Corn Head grease.

 

[DerekJ]

The key issue regarding these so called 'grease' products is that they flow. They may be very thick, but they do flow and that is the important point. The older articles that Keoke mentioned were no doubt referring to the use of actual grease in steering boxes and were correct in saying they shouldn't be used because they 'channelled'. That is, the grease was pushed aside and compacted and did not flow back into position to provide correct lubrication.

Penrite describe their product as 'just pourable at normal ambient conditions'. The ability to flow is the important point. Whether its called an oil, a lube or a grease is just semantics.

 

[RAC68]

So to conclude, the rejection of grease for use in the steering box was an old recommendation targeted at standard flow-resistant chassis grease and not applicable to the modern flowable John Deere Corn Head grade 0 grease. This makes sense and validates my opinion that the John Deere grease is an good substitute for the recommended gear oil and a valid product to address leaking steering boxes.

Thanks Derek and all the best,
Ray(64BJ8P1)

 

[Keoke]

Thanks Derek--Good explanation.