Steering Box M38

horse · Post by **horse** » Thu Jul 23, 2020 7:55 am

Hi, I have an M38 with anM38 A1 steering box which has the pipe plug(filler hole)near the top of the box, I noticed all the earlier ones are about half way up.

I removed the side cover to make sure the lubricant was correct only to find it was packed with grease.

I removed the grease and replaced with Penrite steering box lube which came recommend, filling to the plug hole.

It now drips out of the jacket clamp vent hole.

Question is, is the filler hole also the level hole, or is there a set amount to pour in and I have overfilled?

TM9-8615 states Type 3 steering gear lubrication. Refer to the lubrication manual for the vehicle being serviced.

Or in time will it find its own level and all will be well again.

Any ideas?

Post by **wesk** » Thu Jul 23, 2020 10:33 am

Read page 13 of the original Ross Gear factory service manual.

horse · Post by **horse** » Thu Jul 23, 2020 10:41 am

Thank you, I take it is in the downloads.

Post by **wesk** » Thu Jul 23, 2020 10:46 am

http://www.willysmjeeps.com/v2/modules. ... it&lid=136

horse · Post by **horse** » Thu Jul 23, 2020 10:52 am

Thank you, so all is correct just needs to settle down.

Thanks Wes

Post by **wesk** » Thu Jul 23, 2020 12:52 pm

Keep in mind that the oil expands with heat and the gearbox is adjacent to the exhaust.

Also, theses gearboxes are notorious for leaking when they have light wear of any bushings.

horse · Post by **horse** » Thu Jul 23, 2020 2:42 pm

Good point, at least the box is getting the correct lubrication now.

Somebody once said to me, if they are not leaking there is usually no oil inside.

4x4M38 · Post by **4x4M38** » Fri Jul 24, 2020 6:35 am

Thought it went something like,”If your old jeep isn’t leaking it’s probably out of oil....”

horse · Post by **horse** » Fri Jul 24, 2020 7:02 am

That was it, thought it looked wrong.