m38a1 steering

gene · Post by **gene** » Wed Jun 27, 2018 6:31 pm

I have a leaking steering box seal I don't have the time right now to remove
the wheel ( if it will come off) and the column Was wondering if using grease instead gear oil would work until I can do the repair

2 what is the best way to get the wheel off

thanks Gene S.

4x4M38 · Post by **4x4M38** » Thu Jun 28, 2018 8:57 am

Which seal Gene?

The steering assembly can be removed through the floor
if you remove the floor panels. Maybe you don’t have to
remove the wheel.

That’s why I asked what seal.

Take care,

skyjeep50 · Post by **skyjeep50** » Thu Jun 28, 2018 9:17 am

I use John Deere Corn Head grease in my M38's steering gear. It's a soft flowable grease that will settle around and coat the worm, bearings and sector shaft. Doesn't really leak out although you will get some liquid drips. I just fill the box up to the fill plug, drive the jeep, let it settle and recheck the level.

gene · Post by **gene** » Fri Jun 29, 2018 6:57 am

Looks like the seal that connects to the pitman arm? looking at the steering from the grill it's on the left . thanks

skyjeep50 · Post by **skyjeep50** » Fri Jun 29, 2018 9:02 am

That's the seal that usually leaks - eventually wears out and it is exposed to a lot of heat in that location. A very simple repair that takes only minutes to do but hours to complete the whole job because you have to disassemble so much to get at it! Usually, you need to extract the steering gear from the vehicle, remove the pitman arm and sector shaft. If you can disassemble the steering box easily, it's possible to unbolt the box from the frame and do the work from underneath the jeep and not have to remove the steering wheel. Once the shaft is out then the old seal can be pried out - the new one is just a press fit to install. Removing the pitman arm can be a chore if it is rusted in place. For a diagram of the assembly, see pages 258-259 of the M38 Parts manual, Ord 9 SNL - G740. You can find the manual in the "Downloads" section of this website.

4x4M38 · Post by **4x4M38** » Fri Jun 29, 2018 11:51 am

I was thinking it could be the sector shaft seal.

I still suggest he disconnect the drag link, pull the
floor pan and remove the dash clamp, and pull the
whole thing out from the top.

Once on the bench disassembly, inspection and
repair will be much easier.

Unless of course he finds what most of us do....

Post by **wesk** » Fri Jun 29, 2018 10:36 pm

Well Guys I'll suggest something really weard!!!!!!!!!!

Use the manual, the directions are written at the 8th grade reading level. TM 9-1804B Power Train, body & frame M38. If you can't afford to buy a paper copy then just download the PDF copy on our downloads page free!

Chapter 11, Steering Gear & Drag Link pages 152 thru 162.

For adjustments and steering wheel removal just read the manual, TM 9-8012 M38 Operator's Handbook. Steering system is Section XXIII pages 267 thru 277.

Again if you can't afford to buy a paper copy then go to our downloads page and download the PDF copy free!