Hello TLR & Glo Mod Gadge
Thanks Gadge for that identification of the box as a Foote.
I went for the closest - the Peerless. Both were used
extensively on many makes in AUS.
I have a technical question(s) ...
My link recommended a high temp bearing grease.
That grease does not appear to be semi-fluid. Is that right?
Castrol HTB is a non-melting type, so it's not 'fluid' - it's rated as NLGI #2 - the same as most general purpose automotive chassis greases.
it's
It appears to me that these old boxes, when disassembled,
show a lube that has 'gone off' - lost viscosity. I wonder
whether they originally used a semi-fluid grease at all?
Yes they did - the original grease was rated NLGI #0.
I wonder whether the semi-fluid should be recommended for the
Peerless boxes and diffs as well?
Dunno offhand; will have to check on the OEM grease specs to answer this one. Watch this space...
My second question goes to self-mixed semi-fluid lubes, as TLR
reported. It may be these may not perform at higher temps, or may
'go off' sooner than industry products.
Yer, its a gamble really, when correctly formulated products are available.
I should mention here, that greases are made up of a base oil, a thickening agent [either bentonite clay or an organometallic 'soap' compound], and an additive pack - which provides EP, water resistance and other desired properties. Modern grease technology is way in advance of what was available even 20 or so years ago, when these gearboxes were first designed.
The NLGI number is a rating of the 'fluidity' of the grease; lower is more fluid. Viscosity is not the correct term to use, as not all greases have 'flowability'.
My third question goes to maintenance. It appears that
TLR 'caught' his box at a good time - when the components
are still in good order. These are 'sealed' boxes - and it
appears that issues are only addressed at failure. I wonder
whether there should be more regular maintenance on these boxes,
given their old age and the lack of spares?
Absolutely. I completely agree with the title of the thread I linked above -
Rover Colt Gearboxes Service It NOWIt would be nice to get some clarification on this.
Hopefully this post has cleared the waters a bit!
