steering box needs replaced - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

topsof7 · 06-22-2013, 02:45 PM

I have a 71 Cheyenne K10. The power steering fluid just dumps out through the steering box. So I figure that I need to replace it with a new or rebuild. Can anyone offer any advice on the correct process? I Don't want to screw it up. Any advice or input would be greatly appreciated.

SS Tim · 06-22-2013, 02:56 PM

Start with the factory service and overhaul manuals. If you don't have them workable copies can be downloaded here.
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=558016

68gmsee · 06-22-2013, 03:55 PM

If your gearbox is otherwise in good shape, I would just replace the seals. There's some good info on the web on how to do it and if you have the tools and done mechanical work before, it's not that difficult to do. Just be sure and read and follow the instructions first. I did my first seal replacement couple of years ago.

kcsa75 · 06-22-2013, 07:00 PM

I replaced my steering box last summer. It's a straightforward parts swap, no big deal. But I would suggest purchasing a new steering box that has the rag joint already installed.

Ask me how I know. LMC was about $75 more than O'Reilly or Car Quest, but well worth it in my opinion.

topsof7 · 06-22-2013, 07:04 PM

Thanks for the info
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JointTech · 06-23-2013, 05:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kcsa75

I replaced my steering box last summer. It's a straightforward parts swap, no big deal. But I would suggest purchasing a new steering box that has the rag joint already installed.

Ask me how I know. LMC was about $75 more than O'Reilly or Car Quest, but well worth it in my opinion.

well its nice that it comes on the gearbox from LMC. but if its $75 bucks more maybe not worth it. You can get the rag joint on rockauto for $40.
I replaced my gear box today. no big deal, 3 bolts and plan for some power steering fluid in your face.

What does suck is you cant get a rag joint locally anywhere and brothers and CPP close at noon on saturady.

domeier · 06-23-2013, 11:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JointTech

What does suck is you cant get a rag joint locally anywhere and brothers and CPP close at noon on saturady.

Any idea what the rag joint is made of? (and you better not say, "rag!") Seems like you could make one fairly easy if you had a suitable material.

68gmsee · 06-23-2013, 12:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by domeier

Any idea what the rag joint is made of? (and you better not say, "rag!") Seems like you could make one fairly easy if you had a suitable material.

Made of durable flexible material. You could rebuild it (some links below) but no you can't make your own -at least I wouldn't chance it. If yours is okay, you can reuse but be aware that they make different sizes and gearbox input shaft needs to match it.

http://www.classicparts.com/1967-86-.../#.Ucckx0Ao4tk

http://www.classicparts.com/1967-86-.../#.Ucckx0Ao4tk

JointTech · 06-23-2013, 02:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by domeier

Any idea what the rag joint is made of? (and you better not say, "rag!") Seems like you could make one fairly easy if you had a suitable material.

i thought it was some fancy cluth thing, but really it looks like just a peice of rubber to stop vibration up the steering column. Im going to order a new one.

domeier · 06-23-2013, 03:29 PM

Yeah, my rag joint is good. I kind of like saying that. Rag joint. I just wondered what the material is. Sort of the same thing as fan belts are made of?

If I was in your shoes, I'd bite the money bullet and replace the box without messing with the seals. I'd be really bummed out if I got it all back together and it started dripping.

**MidLifer** · 06-23-2013, 04:42 PM

I just did this with a reman box that I picked up from napa for $125. Very straightforward. Definitely flush the hell out of any rebuilt box. I did a cursory flush on mine, then drove it about 100 miles and had to flush it again. The fluid was filthy. Now that's behind me it works fine.

Also spend $20 on a Magna Pure inline filter. It will make the new box last longer.
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06-22-2013, 02:45 PM	#1
topsof7 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: peoria Az. Posts: 9	steering box needs replaced I have a 71 Cheyenne K10. The power steering fluid just dumps out through the steering box. So I figure that I need to replace it with a new or rebuild. Can anyone offer any advice on the correct process? I Don't want to screw it up. Any advice or input would be greatly appreciated.

06-22-2013, 02:56 PM	#2
SS Tim Registered User Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Edwards, CA Posts: 7,503	Re: steering box needs replaced Start with the factory service and overhaul manuals. If you don't have them workable copies can be downloaded here. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=558016 __________________ Thanks, Tim * VIN/Model Decoders * Power Team Charts (engine/transmission/gear ratio) * Post Your Pickup SPID Blazer SPID Suburban/Panel SPID * RTFM ... Read The Factory Manuals... download 'em here Highlanders Do you have a 1972 Plaid Pickup? Plaid Blazer ** Plaid Suburban

06-22-2013, 03:55 PM	#3
68gmsee Active Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Centrally located between Houston, Austin and Waco. BCS area. Posts: 7,947	Re: steering box needs replaced If your gearbox is otherwise in good shape, I would just replace the seals. There's some good info on the web on how to do it and if you have the tools and done mechanical work before, it's not that difficult to do. Just be sure and read and follow the instructions first. I did my first seal replacement couple of years ago. __________________ 68 GMC 250/3 speed Saginaw p/b p/s 69 Chevy 350/350 currently in pieces still lookin for a cab 06 Trailblazer I just want a vehicle that I can work on, that won't talk to me, leave error msgs or keep track of how I drive...

06-22-2013, 07:00 PM	#4
kcsa75 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Kansas City Posts: 3,590	Re: steering box needs replaced I replaced my steering box last summer. It's a straightforward parts swap, no big deal. But I would suggest purchasing a new steering box that has the rag joint already installed. Ask me how I know. LMC was about $75 more than O'Reilly or Car Quest, but well worth it in my opinion. __________________ Willie Swamp Angel Truckers '72 C10 Highlander *People who blindly follow a GPS end up on television programs on The Weather Channel. Some survive, some don't.*

06-22-2013, 07:04 PM	#5
topsof7 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: peoria Az. Posts: 9	Re: steering box needs replaced Thanks for the info Posted via Mobile Device

06-23-2013, 03:29 PM	#10
domeier Registered User Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: San Jose, California Posts: 784	Re: steering box needs replaced Yeah, my rag joint is good. I kind of like saying that. Rag joint. I just wondered what the material is. Sort of the same thing as fan belts are made of? If I was in your shoes, I'd bite the money bullet and replace the box without messing with the seals. I'd be really bummed out if I got it all back together and it started dripping.

06-23-2013, 04:42 PM	#11
MidLifer Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: South NJ Posts: 1,264	Re: steering box needs replaced I just did this with a reman box that I picked up from napa for $125. Very straightforward. Definitely flush the hell out of any rebuilt box. I did a cursory flush on mine, then drove it about 100 miles and had to flush it again. The fluid was filthy. Now that's behind me it works fine. Also spend $20 on a Magna Pure inline filter. It will make the new box last longer. Posted via Mobile Device



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