MTFCA Forum

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?

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

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.

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.

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!

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.

So that's two yesses and two nos!

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

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.

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.

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!!!!

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.