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#1 |
Senior Member
![]() Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Northern Nevada
Posts: 7,233
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Brake fluid trick for leaky steering box?
I had my steering box rebuilt by reputable. It sat around a few years, something went wrong, perhaps the pitman seal just dried up. Man it bugs me, but really, at this point, I just don't like the idea of messing with it. I think you have to pull the skirt off, risk paint damage etc. So at this point, at least the fluid is always fresh.
![]() A well-seasoned reputable guy tuned up my carb. today for its "500 mile check-up" following a restoration. Man, he dialed it in to, best its ever run. Anyway, he says put a splash of brake fluid in the PS reservoir, not too much, perhaps an ounce. He didn't believe it himself until his brother did it "for steering box only". Fixed the problem and never to be heard from again, apparently it swells up the seal for you. I wouldn't expect any damage to the finish, though, I don't know, I suppose a guy doesn't have to use DOT3, I should ask him, but I'm mostly sure he meant DOT3. On that note, I hear silicone swells seals too. Hmm. What do you think? Speak of, anyone know off hand how much you're supposed to fill a remote PS reservoir? I've always figured about 1/2-3/4" from its top. Doesn't seem a big deal, so long as it's attended to and doesn't spill. Happen to know what the fluid capacity is, box, hoses, reservoir and pump?
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Tony 71 Custom Deluxe, SWB, 2WD, 402, A/C. I developed an assembly kit for restoring the (a) truck from the ground up. My build thread, and more on the assembly kit https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...d.php?t=730025 |
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#2 |
Registered User
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: Idaho
Posts: 644
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Re: Brake fluid trick for leaky steering box?
Dont do it
use 1 oz of Vitamin E
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'81 K20 Silverado , '99 Dodge Cummins 4x4, '05 Dodge Cummins 4x4, Pinstriping-Lettering-Specialty Painting |
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#3 |
Senior Member
![]() Join Date: Nov 2018
Location: Waterford California
Posts: 2,521
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Re: Brake fluid trick for leaky steering box?
That's an old automatic transmission trick also, don't know that I'd do it to a fresh trans build, but more along trying to limp a high mileage one along.
I have used Lucas P/S Stop Leak fluid with success until I got a new pump/box ordered then installed a few months down the road. A patch is just that.. a patch, gets you out of a jam or buys a little more time. |
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#4 |
The Older Generation
![]() ![]() ![]() Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Montezuma, Iowa
Posts: 25,483
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Re: Brake fluid trick for leaky steering box?
-
I also used the Lucas stop leak and it worked for me.... .
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Leon Locksmith, Specializing In Antique Trucks, Automobiles, & Motorcycles (My Dually Pickup Project Thread) http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=829820 - |
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#5 |
Senior Member
![]() Join Date: Apr 2016
Location: Cypress, TX
Posts: 3,702
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Re: Brake fluid trick for leaky steering box?
Stop leak didn't help mine. I recommend just replace the seals. It is not a bad job to just do. There is no skirt to pull off, not on the truck anyway. And it's not in an area of the truck that could give you paint damage. I found it easier with driver side inner fender removed. Remove the steering gear, put it on a workbench, and change the seals. https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...d.php?t=619634
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#6 | |
Senior Member
![]() Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Northern Nevada
Posts: 7,233
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Re: Brake fluid trick for leaky steering box?
Quote:
Interesting, the homoeopathic approach. Ever try that or know someone that did? I may have to try that, at worst the system won't care, I suppose.
__________________
Tony 71 Custom Deluxe, SWB, 2WD, 402, A/C. I developed an assembly kit for restoring the (a) truck from the ground up. My build thread, and more on the assembly kit https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...d.php?t=730025 |
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#7 |
Senior Member
![]() Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: washington
Posts: 2,236
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Re: Brake fluid trick for leaky steering box?
I have repaired many a transmission with the "stop leak" and or "Trans repair" additive added to them. The seals eventually soften enough to turn into what looks like sponge rubber and fail.
Maybe it's a stopgap for a needed seal replacement? I don't know, but I know it will eventually return and need repair. |
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#8 | |
Senior Member
![]() Join Date: Jun 2022
Location: San Ramon,CA
Posts: 504
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Re: Brake fluid trick for leaky steering box?
Quote:
Some people swear by Mystery Oil, but I feel it's also a stopgap measure
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1970 C10 Custom longbed 350/350 |
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