Steering box plugs quick tip

[FarmallAddict]

I apologize in advance if this has been posted before. But I wanted to check the fluid levels on the steering box of my Cub and was having a tough time finding a wrench that could fit in between the bolster and the steering shaft. It took me a few minutes to figure out to use a 1/2 inch socket extension and a monkey wrench to loosen them. It's a simple solution that worked. After I took the picture I added another extension on top of the one I was using to provide additional clearance. I think this topic has been addressed many times before but not always with super clear photos so I wanted to contribute my part so help someone else with this issue. The ones I had to loosen were seized pretty good with paint.

[ricky racer]

Great tip! Thanks for sharing. Did you also check the vent hole in the filler plug to make sure it's properly venting? A clogged vent hole is why so many of the steering boxes leak.

[FarmallAddict]

Great tip! Thanks for sharing. Did you also check the vent hole in the filler plug to make sure it's properly venting? A clogged vent hole is why so many of the steering boxes leak.

I did actually and it was partially clogged! I used a very small allen
wrench to clear the hole. Some where we picked up an allen wrench set that had some microscopec sizes. Thanks for the suggestion.

[Glen]

Hi,
Below are pics of the vent in the steering gear filler plug. The hole goes up from the bottom, and then there is another hole going in through 1 of the flats for the wrench on the plug.
The holes meet inside the plug.
The hole going in from the side is smaller than the hole going up from the bottom, on the plugs I have seen.
I use drill bits to open the plugged holes, turning them by hand, No electric drill. You can use pliers to turn them. You might need to pull the drill bit out and clean it, and then go in again, to go the full depth.
The oil level, and drain plugs have 3/8" square head sizes on my Cub.
A Crescent wrench works on them, or an open end wrench.

[FarmallAddict]

I used a 3/8" cresent wrench at first but they were too tight and it was about to round the plug off. Only the top of the vent hole was clogged so it was an easy fix (I cleared the whole passage). The socket extension made sure I wouldn't round anything off.

[tst]

they make square head sockets that work great, made by "Grey" they are pretty cheap also

[Don McCombs]

https://www.amazon.com/CASOMAN-Pieces-2 ... 32&sr=8-7#

[Jim Becker]

I don't recall whether I've done it with a 3/8 square, but I have used a 12-point socket. A 7/16 might fit, depending on how rounded off the corners are (and how cheap your 12-point socket is. Cheap sockets tend to be oversize.).

[tnestell]

they make square head sockets that work great, made by "Grey" they are pretty cheap also

Eight point socket works well.