Steering box in M37

[slk]

Is there an easy way to get the old lube out of the steering box? It has been recommended to me to try some corn head grease in it to see if my steering would be a little easier at those low speeds like trying to maneuver into spaces. Sometimes it is a brutal fight to get backed in somewhere.

 

[NDT]

Is there any in there? GO90 probably leaked out 40 years ago.

 

[slk]

Is there any in there? GO90 probably leaked out 40 years ago.

That remains to be seen. I have not taken the fill plug out yet to see what might be in there if anything. i had the same thoughts about it maybe being empty. If that is the case It would make it simple.

 

[slk]

That remains to be seen. I have not taken the fill plug out yet to see what might be in there if anything. i had the same thoughts about it maybe being empty. If that is the case It would make it simple.

We’ll update on if it has oil in it and it does. I took out the 5/8 filler plug and stuck my little finger in and it does have what i would describe as clean looking oil in there. If I had to guess seamed like 90w but not real heavy stuff like a grease.

 

[NDT]

Well that is a good thing. Suggest you top it off with more 90W and look for binding elsewhere, like maybe the knuckle bearings.

 

[G744]

The two drag links and the pivot need greasing. Often forgotten, they will get stiff.

Tie rod ends, too. There is an adjustment nut and notched washer on the engine side of the steering box, and the TM gives instructions on how to set it periodically. It never gets tighter by itself, but some mechs don't set it right and it will never wear in.

G744

 

[Redleg130]

Well that is a good thing. Suggest you top it off with more 90W and look for binding elsewhere, like maybe the knuckle bearings.

I recently rebuilt my knuckles and the bearings in the knuckles were significantly deformed. I assume these were original bearings given the extreme divots. In any case this could be a possibility? There is a bearing in the steering box as well, I have not got to this yet in my truck.


Steering knuckle | SteelSoldiers - if you want to see my experience rebuilding the knuckles. Pretty involved project, but I found mine really needed the maintenance.

 

[M37Dale]

I took mine apart ordered new sector shaft and Bushings , bearings, seals and seats, new horn kit and bearings, seals for the steering colunm from Midwest assembled it with lube, adjusted it, then filled it with Corn head grease from John Deere.....was one of the least expensive things to do on this M37. (don't tell John or he will hike the price. LOL)

 

[G744]

Don't let that 'famous' M37 restoration outfit hear anything about Cornhead Grease. A conniption fit will ensue!

 

[M37keppy]

I use John Deere multi-luber in all of my steering boxes. It pours like thick oil and has a grease like consistency.