Bren carrier steering
 

Recently been working on my Mk II carrier and have trouble with steering cross shaft. wondering if anyone has had to replace the leather seal on the end of the steering shaft behind the road wheels? The leather seal is basically non-existent and needs replacing. Does anyone have a pattern to make a new one or had the same problem?
thanks,
Larry

Larry,
Sent you a e mail on the seals.
Doug

leather dust excluder for cross tube: aka gaiter(s) TL / CTL 1621
 

See:

http://mapleleafup.net/forums/showth...ght=cross+tube

http://mapleleafup.net/forums/showth...ght=cross+tube

http://mapleleafup.net/forums/showth...ght=cross+tube

http://mapleleafup.net/forums/showth...ght=cross+tube

I think the pictures from Michael are for a Mk I.
The boots from my Mk II are pretty shriveled but the attached pictures are what I think they were.
I have made one up from some thick cloth and it seems pretty good, next from leather.
George

The square portion of the cross tube, as well as the hull opening and removable frame that holds the gaiter outside the hull are consistent between Canadian production UC MK-I* and MK-II*. I have fit these NOS gaiters on a restoration and I am quite pleased with them. They are the latest issue with 1944 date and later five digit part numbers. Placing the wiring on the outside edge wiring channel of the cross tube is critical to proper function.

I was surprised how little the cross tube actually offsets from the hull and still produces a noticeable steering change.

See also the work Super Dave is doing at post 95:
http://www.mapleleafup.net/forums/sh...4&postcount=95

Michael R., 3/8 of an inch, either way.

Larry see two threads started by me;
Carrier soft parts
Carrier Assembly.
Don't forget to pack the boots (gaiters) with grease.
A small amount of neatsfoot oil can be helpful to make the boots pliable. Don't overdo it!

Note; the boots are interchangeable between all carriers that utilise track warping

Neatsfoot Oil

(I had to investigate the origins - processed cattle fat from boiled leg bones and feet, but not the hooves. Who knew?)

Btw : Neatsfoot oil is also used to lubricate Coleman stove and lantern leather reservoir pump seals / washers ..

Softens and preserves leather on many applications. We used to use it for assembly of the old brake airpack main seal on the M135 deuce.

I have used it to soften leather for old holsters or pouches. It will substantially darken the leather, but once soaked in softens the worst cases in a day or two. However, it does not repair cracks, so use some moderation when checking to see how dry that strap or pouch is before apllying the neatsfoot.

I have edited my spelling.

Yes I knew Terry, I did the same as you, 6 months ago.

The thing is to use a small amount. It is easy to over do it and the leather can pretty much loose its shape.