Info needed: Steering knuckle felt

[Phil Waterman]

Hi John

I've been faced with finding a replacement on all three of my CMPs I went with leather belting material, as in drive belts for equipment, getting a little harder to find than when I first got it 39 years ago. But still find it at old tractor meets. Saddle, and harness makers could probably help as well.

Had the 1/4 thick leather belt cut to width then soaked it over night in motor oil and installed according to the manual. In lots of years it seems to have done a good job of keeping the ball surface bright and shinny the grease in and the dirt and water out. On the occasions that have had to take apart a wheel hub assembly I have not seen evidence of water or dirt entry on the inside. Always some evidence of grease on the outside but no lube leak problem.

If you can get the felt great get enough to do the job several times over and save the rest sealed in a plastic bag so you will have it the next time you need to pull the hub apart.

Cheers Phil