TO-30 Steering Box Seals

Wolfwise · Jan 22, 2010

Just got my new outer dust seals in for the steering box on my 1952 TO-30 and needed alittle input. I am too cheap to buy the overpriced 10 page manual at TSC. (is there a good manual out there?) Anyway when I put in these seals do I need to put some sealer around the collar before I slip them in or should it be metal to metal? I assume they go in with the numbers on the outside as the old ones where installed. Also what do you all recommend for gear oil. I have heard that regular oil is what goes in there, but was thinking a heavier gear oil might be better. I did not replace the inner bushings as there was very little play in them and no grooves or wear on the shafts.

You know who needs a manual anyway when you have this great forum with all these really nice folks anyway. Kind of nice to make new friends along the way and fix a project. Cant get that with any manual. Thanks again gang and thanks for the great forum.

Wolfwise

Richard L · Jan 22, 2010

The oil seals are just installed into the opening with the spring towards the oil. You can use hydraulic oil or many are now using corn head grease. There are two grades (at least) of the corn head grease, one will pour out if in no hurry, the other can be put in a caulking gun and installed that way. I used 5 tubes in mine & was the type that "did not" pour. If I had it to do again I think I would use 3 tubes that does not pour and fill the rest with the other kind.

Wolfwise · Jan 22, 2010

Which side has the spring, I dont see a sprint on it. I had to heat the old ones out and ended up destroying the rubber and spring in the process. Dont recall which side the spring came out of. Think its the bottom picture.

Wolfwise

Richard L · Jan 23, 2010

I would agree w/you as it being the bottom pic.

Bob (Aust) · Jan 23, 2010

Top picture shown the OUTSIDE of the seal - i.e. the side of the seal which goes to the outside of the steering box. The sealsgo in metal to metal.

If replacing the seals with the steering box in place, you may need to grind off the centering "casting" to get the seals on over the drop arms.

This is the outer of the seals I used:

My steering box bushes were not worn, installed new seals, I use engine oil (15W40?) and I have no leaks. If you are worried about oil leaks use 90 or 140 grade gear oil or "Corn Head Grease".

The original steering box seals on my British built TEA20 were leather.

Bob in Oz
'53 TEA20

Wolfwise · Jan 23, 2010

Thanks for all the quick replies guys. Will try the heavier grade gear oil and see how it works.

Wolfwise

pjfenner · Jan 23, 2010

Wolf,

Where did you buy the seals that would fit? I am told the original seals were leather.

Phil (WA)

Richard L · Jan 23, 2010

Phil, when I rebuilt mine I had NAPA order them for me, it is a Chicago Rawhide # 13027. I don't know where Wolfwise got his. Richard

pjfenner · Jan 23, 2010

Thanks Richard.

Phil(WA)

S2710 · Jan 23, 2010

Phil when I replaced the seals on my TO 30 I got them at my local MF dealer.

Bob

Wolfwise · Jan 23, 2010

Went to Nashville Tractor here locally and he was able to order them for me.

Here are the numbers on the invoice

MF 195761M1 Seal 55B8 $18.87 each

Nashville Tractor # 615-865-7800

Dont know where he ordered them from. Hope this helps.

Wolfwise

pjfenner · Jan 24, 2010

Thank you very much.

Phil(WA)

pjfenner · Jan 24, 2010

Thanks, Bob. My dealer said they were not available!! Nice to kknow they are.

Phil(WA)

pjfenner · Jan 24, 2010

Thanks, Bob. My dealer said they were not available!! Nice to kknow they are.

Phil(WA)

Crem · Jan 25, 2010

I also bought my seals at my MF dealer but the parts man told me that the seals were actually from another application but the right size.

TO-30 Steering Box Seals

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