135 British steering box

Redline69

New User
Howdy, New member here.
Had a few MFs over the years, a 165, traded that off for a good used 270,and we still have our old 135 UK with a 72 industrial loader on it, bought new.
My question regards the steering box. This tractor never had the best steering, but it seems to have gotten worse lately.
I always checked and filled the power steering fluid res, (As it does leak at the cylinders),but never really considered the steering box.
The steering seems to be very hard especially in reverse, and especially more when I'm carrying something on the loader.
I see a plug on top there. Should I add some gear oil? Lucas? or remove the arms,and take off a side cover and take a look in there?
Thanks in advance.
Frank
 
My 65 has similar issues. I never thought about it being the steering box but that would make sense as it is always leaking a big glob of brown gear slime.
 
The 135 doesn't really have a heavy duty front axle, and with a FEL it put a lot more force on the front end than it would normally see. Check the front axle pivot, the bushings the front spindles, and the bearings in the wheel hubs. I would bet the front axle assembly is pretty worn out. The steering box also takes more of a beating with a FEL.
 
Thanks for the replies guys.

Actually this 135 GB has the heavier front "box" axle on it. I know it's still a 2wd tractor with lighter hubs, but it has stood up quite well over the years, considering the use it's had.

OK, did find a bit of another problem. Last week I was moving some concrete around,with the loader,as I have some washouts to fix. I have access to a backhoe, but I had to use my pallet forks on the loader to get the pieces out and accessible. I guess the weight of a couple of the larger pieces, bent the right front spindle shaft,at the hub. This spindle replaced an original spindle shaft that had the end break off a couple years ago. Apparently these new spindles are NOT as strong as originals. So now the one front tire has negative camber, I guess is what its called.

I have my old spindle shaft, I'm wondering if I grind out the weld on the old one,and remove the broken spindle. GRind out the weld on this bent one,and put this spindle on the old straight spindle shaft..Weld them together. Thoughts?

Also, regarding the steering box. I'd still like to get a bit of some kind of lube in there,as I never have. Did a bit of research on the net. One fella suggested some 90 weight oil. The other suggested some "Green" corn header grease. Does that header grease stay a bit more soluble?

Again, appreciate the comments.
 
Any other ideas?

I'd like to get get some lube in that steering box, but unsure whether to use some kind of gear oil, or grease.

Appreciate it.
 
In the steering box, axle hub oil from Lucas Oil works good, it's really sticky, and kind of thick. It may still leak a little bit but not like would with 90wt gear oil.
 

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