36A Steering Lube

[Indiana Steve]

My steering was a little loose so using my 1936 operators manual I found the procedure for adjustment. I have never had the cover off the top of the pedestal even though this tractor has been in my family since day one. I found the cavity packed with wheel bearing grease and thought this to be odd as the manual says it should be gear oil. The tractor in its early days was serviced by the dealer. My dad and grandpa are both gone so I can"t ask them why. Was this a factory service procedure or something my grandpa may have done?

I cleaned out the grease and poured in some kerosene to clean out the rest and the kerosene started pouring out around the steering shaft. I"m figuring thats why the grease was put in there as gear lube would do the same. I don"t see any packing or seal around the shaft to replace.

 

[Greenday]

There are no seals. Everyone I have ever opened up has had grease in them.

 

[DScott]

(quoted from post at 10:09:15 01/29/13) My steering was a little loose so using my 1936 operators manual I found the procedure for adjustment. I have never had the cover off the top of the pedestal even though this tractor has been in my family since day one. I found the cavity packed with wheel bearing grease and thought this to be odd as the manual says it should be gear oil. The tractor in its early days was serviced by the dealer. My dad and grandpa are both gone so I can"t ask them why. Was this a factory service procedure or something my grandpa may have done?

I cleaned out the grease and poured in some kerosene to clean out the rest and the kerosene started pouring out around the steering shaft. I"m figuring thats why the grease was put in there as gear lube would do the same. I don"t see any packing or seal around the shaft to replace.

Steve, The manual does call for oil but most people use grease as it is less likely to leak and make a mess. Many use JD cornhead grease with good results as it is thinner than others and kind of flows without leaking in most cases.

 

[wilamayb]

There is a seal. Check the parts catlog. It fits underneath the eccentric bushing.

 

[Indiana Steve]

I did just find a seal in the catalog, whether it is still available or not I don't know. I am tempted to just clean it out good and repack it with grease. It has obviously worked the last 60 years that I know and there is no excessive wear in there. Why replace a cork seal thats going to need replaced again in another 10 years because its leaking all over. This tractor still gets used/played with but not hard and not everyday. Its also never going to be an EXPO tractor.

 

[wilamayb]

Do it however you like but I would replace the seal and refill with cornheader grease. Dont fill past half way of the sector gear or else it'll run right out the botton when it gets good and warm.

 

[FBH44]

Made my own grease, whipped up a 50-50 blend of wheel bearing grease and 90 wt. gear oil with a coat hanger in my drill, in a coffee can. You can make it any thickness you like. Works great.

 

[Todd Young]

The seal in the steering box is under the eccentric bearing is made of cork. I would replace it on any restoration. I still recommend thicker oil, as the cork is not that great of a seal, and bouncing of the tractor would cause the oil to lead between the top of the bearing and gear. Use just thick enough oil/grease so it won't leak.

-Todd

 

[55deere70]

Use cornhead grease or any "0" grade grease. It won't "tunnel" like some thicker greases.