Notice a lot of fluid on the floor yesterday and it is coming from the area of the input shaft seal on the steering gear box. I assume the gearbox needs to be removed to change out the seal. Looks to be the original gear box so I might just replace it. Any recommendations for a replacement if I go that route?
Thanks


1984 T/A
305 H/O
Auto Trans

 

Gearboxes don't really "wear out" much, and what little does wear, mostly the Pitman shaft bearing, can be replaced.

If your luck is anything like mine (none), then if you replace that seal, within about a week the Pitman shaft seal will start leaking; which will require taking apart the worm shaft, including its seals, to service the other.

Yes it has to come off to replace those seals. (there's 2) I suppose you could do it with it still on the car but it would take twice as long and be about 5 times the PITA, and it would be just that much harder to clean up. Regardless, I'd suggest a thorough session before working on it at the quarter car wash with lots of engine degreaser, to get rid of as much of the inevitable funk as possible.

My recommendation would be to remove it, tear it completely down, and rebuild it. All you should need, assuming that bearing is OK, is the paper & rubber kit.

 

Ok thanks for the help. I will rebuild it when I get the time and seal package. I did order a new one for now. Other than a pitman arm puller, any other tools required?

 

You might want to make a tool to setup backlash. To setup backlash of the sector a inlb torque wrench beam style should be used. nylon seals may need to be put in hot water to make them easier to install.

 

i've done a bunch of pitman shaft seals like in this video, but while still in the vehicle. not the funnest thing to do.

 

I enjoy removing pitman shaft seals. It can be a bit messy, though. But it works every time.

While the box is still in the car, disconnect the pitman arm. Using the correct puller, remove the pitman arm from the pitman shaft.

Remove the snap ring and the backup washer (if it happens to drop free) that's holding the seals in place. Place a drain pan under the box.

Get in the car, start the engine. Turn the steering wheel towards full lock and bump the stop, holding it there for a second or two.

The seals (both of them) will shoot out of the box. Shut off the engine and remove the box from the chassis.

Doesn't work if there's no hydraulic pressure, though.

 

Yup, that's the Pitman shaft; not the one he's got a leak.