Steering Box Shims and Oils

[phinchcl]

I've recently acquired a 48TC (a long time goal) and have been running MG's for a long time. I have read many of the postings here and based on those readings have initiated a full inspection and maintenance of my TC. The steering box was of keen interest to me and I noted the absence of any shims beneath the steering box cover - should there be one and how does one determine which thickness is appropriate. As for steering box oils (not grease), I sought out a 140 weight gear oil from a small business on the US west coast that provides high weight oils in small quantities for special markets such as old time locomotives which use heavy gear oils, commonly referred to as steam oil. I noted some folks use 90-140 in their TC's but it seemed to me the multigrades reach the 140 level when at their hottest - I wonder if the steering box reaches adequate temperature to achieve this. Cheers, Paul

[1939mgtb]

I use the oil/grease as comes in the early VW box. It works a treat. Best, Ray "argent saoudien illimit , fanatiques islamistes Occidentalis s, tats de support de terroriste, technologie nucl aire de prolif ration. Un jour elle toute vient ensemble et l dispara t le voisinage."

----- Original Message ----- From: "phinchcl" phinchcliffe@comcast.net> To: mg-tabc@yahoogroups.com> Sent: Sunday, July 31, 2005 1:50 PM Subject: [mg-tabc] Steering Box Shims and Oils > I've recently acquired a 48TC (a long time goal) and have been > running MG's for a long time. I have read many of the postings here > and based on those readings have initiated a full inspection and > maintenance of my TC. > > The steering box was of keen interest to me and I noted the absence > of any shims beneath the steering box cover - should there be one and > how does one determine which thickness is appropriate. > > As for steering box oils (not grease), I sought out a 140 weight gear > oil from a small business on the US west coast that provides high > weight oils in small quantities for special markets such as old time > locomotives which use heavy gear oils, commonly referred to as steam > oil. I noted some folks use 90-140 in their TC's but it seemed to me > the multigrades reach the 140 level when at their hottest - I wonder > if the steering box reaches adequate temperature to achieve this. > > Cheers, Paul > > > > > > > Yahoo! Groups Links > > > > > >

[D&J Edgar]

Paul, In regard to the shims there are two covers with shims under them. One at end of box (with 4 bolt holes) uses shims to adjust bearing play. Take out shims until you can feel the bearings start to drag then add until, as the brown TC owners Instruction Manual says, ". . . Shaft should spin with the fingers, but there should be no end play." Do this first. The cover (with 3 bolt holes) over the pitman arm (book uses term rocker-shaft) uses same method. Take shims out until you achieve some drag and then add until you free up. Manual indicates if you remove too much in shims the operation will become stiff in the center of the travel, and this must not be permitted. If you have too much in the way of shims you will get play in the steering wheel. Adjustment should be made with the drag link disconnected. When I had my steering box rebuilt by Phil Marino years back he said to use 600 weight oil. Model A Fords used it so it is available. 600 seemed awfully thick to me but I did it had have had no problems. David Edgar, TC 5108 El Cajon, California

On 7/31/05 11:50 AM, "phinchcl" phinchcliffe@comcast.net> wrote: > I've recently acquired a 48TC (a long time goal) and have been > running MG's for a long time. I have read many of the postings here > and based on those readings have initiated a full inspection and > maintenance of my TC. > > The steering box was of keen interest to me and I noted the absence > of any shims beneath the steering box cover - should there be one and > how does one determine which thickness is appropriate. > > As for steering box oils (not grease), I sought out a 140 weight gear > oil from a small business on the US west coast that provides high > weight oils in small quantities for special markets such as old time > locomotives which use heavy gear oils, commonly referred to as steam > oil. I noted some folks use 90-140 in their TC's but it seemed to me > the multigrades reach the 140 level when at their hottest - I wonder > if the steering box reaches adequate temperature to achieve this. > > Cheers, Paul