Now I Have A Question.

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BLB27
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* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 1927 coupe
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MTFCA Number: 31192

Now I Have A Question.

Post by BLB27 » Thu Dec 01, 2022 8:55 pm

I just installed a new steering shaft and gears for my 1927 coupe, and now I have question.

Right after I finished the install, I reread the steering shaft replacement section in the Ford Service Manual. I noticed that I had forgotten that it says the steering case should be "filled" with wheel grease. I didn't do that. I greased the various components and added extra grease at several locations.

My question is: Should I take the case cover off and pack the interior full of grease?
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Norman Kling
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Re: Now I Have A Question.

Post by Norman Kling » Thu Dec 01, 2022 9:23 pm

You will need to pull the steering wheel and then remove the screw holding the cover and unscrew the cover. Use heavy grease such as wheel bearing grease and do not overfill because you don't want it dripping down on your pants or on the seat. This should be done from time to time anyway, or at least checked to be sure there is still grease so things won't wear out as fast.
Norm


kmatt2
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Re: Now I Have A Question.

Post by kmatt2 » Thu Dec 01, 2022 10:19 pm

Yes fill the gear case with more grease. You don’t have to remove the steering wheel to remove the gear case cover from the gear case. If you do remove the steering wheel from the steering pinion be sure to put some grease on the pinion gear where it goes threw the cover.

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John.Zibell
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Re: Now I Have A Question.

Post by John.Zibell » Fri Dec 02, 2022 9:04 am

The Ford manual was written when heavy wheel bearing grease was the best option. Better lubricants are available today. My preference is a good synthetic grease GL2 as it sticks well and has excellent properties and won't harden.
1926 Tudor


Joe Bell
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Re: Now I Have A Question.

Post by Joe Bell » Fri Dec 02, 2022 9:10 am

If you fill it to full of grease some day on a hot day it will be on your lap and ruin a nice pair of slacks, ask me how I know! Been there done this!


TXGOAT2
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Re: Now I Have A Question.

Post by TXGOAT2 » Fri Dec 02, 2022 10:00 am

Too much grease will give you grief. Leave some air space. Driving the car forward VERY slowly while turning the steering wheel from full left lock to full right lock once in a while will help spread the grease. Don't force the steering against the lock. Keeping all steering parts tight and lubricated, including the springs, and tire pressure correct will prevent needless wear of the steering gears.


Chris Barker
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Re: Now I Have A Question.

Post by Chris Barker » Fri Dec 02, 2022 10:20 am

So that's two yesses and two nos!

Casting vote:
As long as there is grease on the gears, I think it's enough.


kmatt2
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Re: Now I Have A Question.

Post by kmatt2 » Fri Dec 02, 2022 11:17 am

Judging from the pictures that you posted of the steering before the cover was put on the amount of grease shown looks to be a little too light. Some more grease would be better as long as you don’t pack it full. If on long drives the gear case gets warm to the touch, then definitely to little grease.


Jerry VanOoteghem
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Re: Now I Have A Question.

Post by Jerry VanOoteghem » Fri Dec 02, 2022 12:10 pm

Joe Bell wrote:
Fri Dec 02, 2022 9:10 am
If you fill it to full of grease some day on a hot day it will be on your lap and ruin a nice pair of slacks, ask me how I know! Been there done this!
Me too! I also love it when I unknowingly get a smear of black grease on one of my fingers and then touch my face. Big fun!

So, yes, you could use a little more grease, but don't fill it. If you do, we'll know it by your stained pants... or face. :D


Topic author
BLB27
Posts: 878
Joined: Thu Jul 23, 2020 9:28 pm
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* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 1927 coupe
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Re: Now I Have A Question.

Post by BLB27 » Fri Dec 02, 2022 12:29 pm

I sure don't want any grease on my new white striped overalls that I have purchased to wear when I first drive the coupe when the restoration is complete!!!!

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Oldav8tor
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Re: Now I Have A Question.

Post by Oldav8tor » Fri Dec 02, 2022 1:37 pm

I fill mine with red grease - I put at least a couple thousand miles on a year and if I check it once a year the grease I put in the year before is mostly gone. Not on my pants but maybe down the shaft. My vote...grease it good.
1917 Touring
1946 Aeronca Champ
1952 Willys M38a1 Jeep (sold 2023)
1953 Ford Jubilee Tractor

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