Joined: Aug 24, 2009 Posts: 32 Location: Nova Scotia ,Canada
Posted: Fri Nov 20, 2009 8:23 am Post subject: steering box fluid
As the weather is getting colder at nights my steering seems really stiff in the early mornings .I had topped it up with 90w gear oil ,but I am thinking now did I put to much in the box or perhaps the wrong weight oil. Can anyone advise correctly on this . thanks, Lake
Joined: Feb 20, 2007 Posts: 606 Location: Illinois
Posted: Fri Nov 20, 2009 8:58 am Post subject: Steering box
You can't really put too much oil in the steering box. If the weather is really cold some of the stiffness may be normal. But, you might have some part of the steering system binding. I would disconnect the each of the linkages in turn starting at the steering box, moving the steering wheel each time and seeing if there is any change in the effort required to move the wheel. That way you can determine which parts may be binding if any - steering gear, drag link, pitman arm, tie rods and joints, knuckles, king pin bearings. If you can lift the front wheels off the ground with jack stands or a secure lift at the same time it would be easier to manipulate the steering system. _________________ 1951 M38
If you are new to old jeeps a stiffening of the steering in the winter is common. If it is just the cold then you can verify that by driving it for a half hour where you can make lots of turns and if it loosens up under use then it is just the temp change. You will also find that the axles and tranny/transfer will also stiffen up in the winter when you first start out with more RPM needed to get her moving until the gear oil warms up from the use. _________________ Wes K
45 MB, 51 M38, 54 M37, 66 M101A1, 60 CJ5, 76 DJ5D, 47Bantam T3-C & 5? M100
The M38 lube chart calls out GO 90 for above freezing and from freezing down to 0 F. The M38A1 lube chart calls out GO 90 above freezing and GO 75
from freezing down to -10 F. Folks that go to GO 140 or heavier greases usually do that because they don't wish to reseal their steering boxes. _________________ Wes K
45 MB, 51 M38, 54 M37, 66 M101A1, 60 CJ5, 76 DJ5D, 47Bantam T3-C & 5? M100
Hello Wilf,
A turkey baster works well and so do the farm animal supply syringes. _________________ Wes K
45 MB, 51 M38, 54 M37, 66 M101A1, 60 CJ5, 76 DJ5D, 47Bantam T3-C & 5? M100
You cannot post new topics in this forum You cannot reply to topics in this forum You cannot edit your posts in this forum You cannot delete your posts in this forum You cannot vote in polls in this forum
Forum FAQ
Search
Usergroups
Profile
Log in to check your private messages
Log in
