Steering Gear Box Leak

[goodnigh]

The steering gear box is leaking where it attaches to the pitman arm,

called the sector shaft. I was going to install a rebuilt gear box for

$266 + core but my mechanic says he can just replace the seal and

won't need to remove the box to do that. This could work, the gear

box works perfectly, just leaks. Driving at 70 mph, take my hands

off the wheel and the car tracks just fine. My car has the variable

ratio box as opposed to fixed ratio. I am assuming the seals are the

same so I ordered a kit from NPD for $15.

mike

 

[csgt428]

That's good to know as mine is leaking a little but still tight and the variable ratio also. I didn't like the idea of replacing it.

 

[jeff8877]

I am curious to know also...keep us up to date on how it turns out and how much trouble it is.

 

[goodnigh]

I hope all works out right or I walk to work until we figure out what went wrong.

Work is less than two miles but it is getting cold and wet outside.

mike


This is what the kit looks like from NPD

http://www.npdlink.com/store/?p=catalog&mode=newsearch&search_str=3d732&parent=0&year=0

mike

 

[c9zx]

Mike, Let us know how he changes the upper and lower seals without removing the sector shaft. If he has a gee whiz tool/process for doing it, I need the tool/process. Thanks, Chuck

 

[LCB1]

The lower seal comes out easy. I drilled a hole on each side of the seal and used a pick with a curved end, put vise grips on it and tapped with a hammer. Popped it out, replaced seal and no more leaks.

 

[c9zx]

What about the upper seal? Chuck

 

[LCB1]

Did not do the upper seal, replacing the lower one fixed the leak

 

[goodnigh]

The lower seal comes out easy. I drilled a hole on each side of the seal and used a pick with a curved end, put vise grips on it and tapped with a hammer. Popped it out, replaced seal and no more leaks.

My mechanic said he knew a way to remove the seal(s).

Sounds a lot like what you describe.

mike

 

[LCB1]

The lower seal comes out easy. I drilled a hole on each side of the seal and used a pick with a curved end, put vise grips on it and tapped with a hammer. Popped it out, replaced seal and no more leaks.

My mechanic said he knew a way to remove the seal(s).

Sounds a lot like what you describe.

mike

I think someone descibed the procedure on this forum

 

[123FRANK321]

Can you give an update how this turned out? Mine is leaking & we live close Mike.