CMP FAT steering box

[Phil Waterman]

Hi Tony

There are several previous threads that have touched on the issue of steering box leaking. All three of mine have or do leak the problem seems to stem from the lubrication guide that says to use 80 or 90 Hypoid well any modern "equivalent" is just too thin and literally runs out through the threads and everywhere else.

The one steering box of mine that leaks the least has never been apart and never had the original grease like stuff cleaned out. In the previous discussions on this leak issue has suggested is a mix of grease and heavy gear oil to a mix that will just barely flow at room temperature. I plan to try this approach in the near future. Figure the kitchen blender should be just about right for mixing the grease and gear oil, might make the Dacaries taste funny though.

Cheers Phil

[jim sewell]

Hi Tony
As Phil mentioned a heavier lubricant should stop the leak which is usually past the threads of the bolts and the worm adjustment nut.

Suggest you clean it down thoroughly, remove one bolt at a time and allow the box to drain and then seal the threads with some gasket sealer or tape.
The traditional type greases were frowned upon for use in steering boxes because as they became less fluid over time the steering mechanism cut a path through the hard grease and moving parts were starved of lubricant.

Refill the steering box with a grease containing molidium ( 5% ) which is a very sticky grease and will not move away from the moving parts.

This will be an easier fix than dismantling and having to reset the steering box bearing preloads.
Regards
Jim S.

[Alex van de Wetering]

Looks like a very nice truck, although I would opt for a NWE respray.

Are those period WW2 tyres, or a post-war alternative in a slightly different size?

Alex