The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Driveline Steering gear ?

The manual mentions steering gear lubricant. Where do you get it?

At your local John Deere dealer, aka, "corn head grease"

Or the Chevrolet dealer would have added gear lub, the same as
used in the transmission or rear end. I started out on the
grease rack in a Chevrolet dealership back in the late 50's
and that's what we were told to use. Also what we added at all
of the service stations that I worked at or hung around at.

There has been tons of discussion on this subject here if you
search for it.
DG

Thats what I've always used also. I did an online search first.
Could you please link me to a few of the "TONS" of disscussions on it.
I don't think GM and Chevrolet used a Johndeer product. Less they would both get it from the same oil company. So what is the corn grease?

corn head grease, a 'self leveling', extreme pressure grease for slow speed gears
some of the tons of discussions of steering box leaks and lubes

Bill

It looks like its just a corn head grease topic. Other than that what else? What did GM use?

Gm stuff is not available anylonger, thats why most who have researched the issue now use John Deere Corn Head grease. Its the closest thing available with properties that match the original type lube.

I think the GM steering lube grease was GM part #001052182.
No longer stocked by GM.

This post shows 1051052.

Corn Head Grease is a self-leveling grease - what is needed to thoroughly get around the balls.

I called a local steer gear rebuilder said to use 90 weight.

There is nothing wrong with 90w as long as the seals are good.
Corn Head Grease would be good if the seals are marginal.

If you can't stand the green of the Corn Head Grease, try Snapper "0" grease. It is a nice grease brown but is more expensive. any "0" grease should work.

Les

If you can't find cornhead grease, look for CV axle grease. It's basically the same stuff. Just about any parts store will have it.

The grease needs to be "self leveling". If not the pressure will push the grease away from the areas that need to be lubricated.

If CV axle grease is NLGI-00, it would be a self-leveling grease. Maybe someone will post the specs of specific brands of CV axle grease?

John Deere Corn Head Grease is close at NLGI 0

I have 3100 55 1st series and need to service the steering box. What should I use for lubrication.

Gear lub same as you would use in the trans or rear axle. If you'er
having problems with the seal leaking,(which 99% do) you can use
John Deere "Corn Head Grease," from your local JD dealer or order
it on line at many places.
http://www.pbase.com/dennygraham/image/115320099

Denny Graham
Sandwich, IL

You can also look for "cotton picker grease." It's along the same lines as the corn head gease. If you go to an industrial supply house you can also find gearbox grease. Like TCLEDERMAN stated, you need to look for a NLGI-00 or o grease, otherwise it'll be too thick. Normal chassis grease is probably a NLGI-1 or 2 http://www.belray.com/molylube-semi-fluid-grease-moly

There is another active discussion on this topic.

That is an excellent video, Whitedog. It explains the name and explains another virtue of the Corn Head Grease. Besides being close to the correct grade, it has the correct self-leveling properties, and it is formulated to be a "fill for life" lubricant.

I read that grease is not a good idea, because the recirculating balls won't get proper lube. Why not a 140 weight instead of 90?
At least 140 will flow into areas grease won't.

You should click on the link that is provided a few posts up. It explains why you can't use chassis type grease. The NLGI-00 which is what John Deere corn head grease is rated is the proper stuff.