The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk 1950 3/4 ton - steering box drip

there is a drip coming from my 1950 3/4 ton steering box. I think it is the gasket on the side with the small adjusting screw. My question is can I remove that cover without disturbing all the ball bearings inside. Also do I have to remove that adjusting screw?

try filling it with John Deere Corn head grease- a self leveling grease that won't drip like gear oil...

Yes, you can take the cover off without disturbing the internals of the box. Remove the locking nut, remove the cover bolts. Now, turn the lash adjuting screw clockwise while at the same time letting the cover move away from the box. The cover will come off once the lash adjuster is free from the cover.

Reverse the process for reinstallation and then adjust the steering box per the service manual.

Here is a steering box manual with nice pictures and directions.

http://chevy.oldcarmanualproject.com/booklets/5220mts01.htm

Joe

thanks for the info...hope I dont screw up the adjustments

By removing only the lower most bolt of the cover more that 90% of the oil will drain out and allow you to skip having to adjust it. The corn head grease will stay in a box that leaked previously.