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Steering box on my BJ8 - filled with grease?

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I have read elsewhere on this forum of folks using it to pack their steering racks as well to great effect.
 
I read the Penrite Web site recommendation for steering gear boxes, to include vintage and classic cars, and it specifies a grease with the same rating (0) and qualities as John Deere Corn Head grease. I was particularly interested in the grease, because the oil in my BN7 steering box unexpectedly leaked out on the garage floor. Using my Might Vac, I pumped out the remaining oil, purchased a grease gun tube of Deere's product for about $6, let the tube sit in the sun a bit, loaded it into my grease gun, and pumped the steering box full. I have checked it several times since doing this, and the level remains undiminished. The steering feels just fine, and the grease doesn't leak out
 
RDKeysor said:
I read the Penrite Web site recommendation for steering gear boxes, to include vintage and classic cars, and it specifies a grease with the same rating (0) and qualities as John Deere Corn Head grease. I was particularly interested in the grease, because the oil in my BN7 steering box unexpectedly leaked out on the garage floor. Using my Might Vac, I pumped out the remaining oil, purchased a grease gun tube of Deere's product for about $6, let the tube sit in the sun a bit, loaded it into my grease gun, and pumped the steering box full. I have checked it several times since doing this, and the level remains undiminished. The steering feels just fine, and the grease doesn't leak out
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I once saw a Healey steering box with a grease fitting attached to the "fill cap". I installed new oil seals twice and they leaked. I removed the original single seal and installed the replacement two seals that are now sold and I should have left the original non-leaking seal in place.
 
Well, I might as well give my opinion.

After seeing the grease fluidity in the transmission of an old JD lawn tractor, built in the 1980s, that had been left to decay in the mud for the past 7 or 8 cold snowy winters and hot summers in NJ, I was impressed by the condition it kept the bearings and gears. So when it was suggested that this grease be used in a leaking steering box, I purchased 2 tubes just in case. Since this grease was meant to last the life of the lawn tractor’s transmission, functioning without a leak, I do not see this solution as a temporary solution and its fluidity does not suggest any additional steering drag imposed over the original gear oil.

The price is quite good and the produce is available locally as well.

Good luck,
Ray (64BJ8P1)
 
My BJ8 box was leaking for a long time before I bought it & it coated everything from the top of the spring on down & back. I bought a couple tubes of the John Deere corn head grease & pumped it in. The steering worked fine & the leak stopped. I have since had the box rebuilt & filled with the correct lubricant.But if it ever leaks again, & we all know it will, I'll use the John Deere grease again without hesitation.

Bobbyd
 
I once saw a Healey steering box with a grease fitting attached to the "fill cap"

Yep Patrick
And the reason they were removed it was found that the grease they were using was pushed away from the gearing surfaces and caused premature failures. If you do the gaskets right it will not leak use Heavy gear oil " Lucas ".
 
I don't think it necessarily grease because Denis Welch recommends a Miller steering box oil that is extremely thick and works well. I've just checked mine that Dan at Chatham's rebuilt and it might have it in it. It works well because the car is pleasant and comparatively light to steer.
 
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