power steering box seal - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

bobs409 · 08-19-2003, 01:42 PM

My power steering box is leaking at the top as shown in the pic. Is this something that's easy to fix? Is the seal similar to a crankshaft seal in a timing cover? Anyone ever done one?

This box is nice and tight so I prefer to fix the leak and keep it over replacing it with another used one.

Any advice is appreciated.

JimKshortstep4x4 · 08-19-2003, 01:53 PM

The seal is pretty easy to fix with the box off. You will want to clean the seal area, remove the spring clip and seal. I believe there is a washer on top of the seal. The seal is a lip seal design similiar to the front crank seal and it presses in. I usually use Permatex #2 on the OD of the seal or some other good sealant and tap it in with an appropriate size pipe. Install the clip and you should be good.

NAPA used to carry the seals.

Jim

Woody · 08-19-2003, 02:04 PM

I did mine with the box on the frame. I pulled the left front tire and the inner fender well, then loosened the steering colm and pulled it back from the box. Got my parts at NAPA or OE Parts.

tom hand · 08-19-2003, 02:21 PM

Actually they are easier with them in...after you remove the clip, crank the engine and turn the wheel and the pressure will pop the seal out 90% of the time...be prepared this method makes a mess.

bobs409 · 08-19-2003, 03:14 PM

Thanks guys! Your replies sound reassuring. I'll give it a try.

bobs409 · 08-25-2003, 03:20 PM

Success! I just replaced the seal and all went well. A bit of trouble finding the right seal but got the correct one on the second trip to the auto parts store. (you'll have these things)

One more leak to fix (transmission) and my truck won't be "marking it's territory" all over the driveway anymore anyway.

Thanks for the encouragment!

A.P. · 08-26-2003, 10:58 AM

I have the same leak on my power steering gear box. I hope I have the same success you did bobs409.

A.P. · 08-26-2003, 11:01 AM

bobs409 do you have the seal part # that you used?

bobs409 · 08-26-2003, 01:32 PM

AP,

It's an easy job. The only tricky part is digging out the dust cover without harming it and getting the seal out.

The seal I bought is part #8660 and its made by NAPA.

One thing though, my first attempt got me the wrong one. It was too large. I believe it depends on the year of the box. Newer boxes may use the smaller one listed above.

VTKidder · 08-26-2003, 01:46 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by tom hand
...be prepared this method makes a mess.

Would have been great info 2 nights ago....

oh well...learning experience.

bobs409 · 08-26-2003, 01:58 PM

I was saving that method as a last resort. I managed to dig these out with some picks. Have a drain pan ready though as the fluid will run out.

Hotrod70C10 · 08-26-2003, 04:02 PM

I'm glad you guys brought this up! I've been needing to do this also.

A.P. · 08-26-2003, 04:39 PM

bobs409 thanks for the info.

08-30-2003, 05:29 PM

I have 11 pages of this, If anyone wants them all Email me and I will send them. Linus0014@dc.rr.com

08-30-2003, 05:43 PM

#2

08-30-2003, 05:45 PM

#3

roger0080 · 08-30-2003, 11:53 PM

Don't you have to remove the giant size hex lock nut first? Then spin out the adjuster plug? How the heck do you do that ?

I bought the GM seal kit but sheez I could not see how to get it apart to do this. Since I had so much slop in the steering, I just bought a rebuilt NAPA steering unit to fix it.

Don't you have to take the neck apart to replace the seal?

**JIMs70GMC** · 08-31-2003, 09:25 AM

I took my steering gear box off and removed the large hex nut w/ two pipe wrenches then tapped the seal and dust cover out and then put the new ones in. I bought the master rebuild kit from napa for the two seals. The master rebuild kit actually covers two different gear boxes.

bobs409 · 08-31-2003, 11:21 AM

There was no need to remove that large nut. Disconnect the steering shaft and then remove the rag joint. Clean the area well and you'll see a snap ring. Remove that and then dig out the old dust cover and seal.

roger0080 · 08-31-2003, 05:11 PM

I tried the pipe wrench route myself, but I would have ended up destroying the hex lock nut. Nothing budges.

I had cleaned everything best I could but could not see a snap ring in there where you say. (ie rusty)

It didn't look like it would be easy to take that adjuster plug out either with just the 2 little holes that you get to grab onto it with. Did you have to make a special tool for that or could 2 people just tap it out??

Of course, I am working on a 31 year old gear box that has been up exposed to salt and rust.

I aim to try this again some day.

**JIMs70GMC** · 08-31-2003, 07:06 PM

Bob I couldn't get mine out that way got the dust seal that was it. Roger, 1 good wack on the pipe wrench w/ a hammer broke it loose, spun it off with my hand.

bobs409 · 09-02-2003, 02:08 PM

That's weird, with mine, I had more trouble getting the dust cover out than the oil seal. I just used a sharp ice pick to dig both out.

Checked it the other day, no leaks.

A.P. · 09-13-2003, 09:27 PM

Bobs409
I finally have time to work on my truck again and I'm tring to fix the leak on the power steering. But it seems that I don't have a dust cover under the snap ring. I can see the seal. Will try to remove it soon.

A.P. · 09-13-2003, 09:54 PM

Testing a pic.

A.P. · 09-13-2003, 09:59 PM

Testing Pic.

08-19-2003, 01:42 PM	#1
bobs409 1969 Custom 30 wrecker Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Pottsville, Pa Posts: 2,611	power steering box seal My power steering box is leaking at the top as shown in the pic. Is this something that's easy to fix? Is the seal similar to a crankshaft seal in a timing cover? Anyone ever done one? This box is nice and tight so I prefer to fix the leak and keep it over replacing it with another used one. Any advice is appreciated. Attached Images __________________ Bob 63 Impala 283/PG/3.36 (under restoration) 66 Impala 327/PG/3.36 66 Chevelle SS 409/M22/3.55 69 Chevelle 307/PG/3.08 (future restoration) 69 C10 short stepside 454/TH350/3.73 69 Custom 30 tow truck 350/4 spd/4.10 (resto done, CRUISIN TIME!) 71 Cheyenne 20 fleetside 350/4 spd/4.10 71 Chevelle 6/PG/3.08 72 Chevelle 454/M21/4.10

08-19-2003, 02:21 PM	#4
tom hand CCRider Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: Olive Branch,MS,USA Posts: 2,232	Actually they are easier with them in...after you remove the clip, crank the engine and turn the wheel and the pressure will pop the seal out 90% of the time...be prepared this method makes a mess. __________________ 72 GMC Sierra SWB almost finished---- 84 Softail Olive Branch MS

08-19-2003, 03:14 PM	#5
bobs409 1969 Custom 30 wrecker Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Pottsville, Pa Posts: 2,611	Thanks guys! Your replies sound reassuring. I'll give it a try. __________________ Bob 63 Impala 283/PG/3.36 (under restoration) 66 Impala 327/PG/3.36 66 Chevelle SS 409/M22/3.55 69 Chevelle 307/PG/3.08 (future restoration) 69 C10 short stepside 454/TH350/3.73 69 Custom 30 tow truck 350/4 spd/4.10 (resto done, CRUISIN TIME!) 71 Cheyenne 20 fleetside 350/4 spd/4.10 71 Chevelle 6/PG/3.08 72 Chevelle 454/M21/4.10

08-25-2003, 03:20 PM	#6
bobs409 1969 Custom 30 wrecker Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Pottsville, Pa Posts: 2,611	Success! I just replaced the seal and all went well. A bit of trouble finding the right seal but got the correct one on the second trip to the auto parts store. (you'll have these things) One more leak to fix (transmission) and my truck won't be "marking it's territory" all over the driveway anymore anyway. Thanks for the encouragment! __________________ Bob 63 Impala 283/PG/3.36 (under restoration) 66 Impala 327/PG/3.36 66 Chevelle SS 409/M22/3.55 69 Chevelle 307/PG/3.08 (future restoration) 69 C10 short stepside 454/TH350/3.73 69 Custom 30 tow truck 350/4 spd/4.10 (resto done, CRUISIN TIME!) 71 Cheyenne 20 fleetside 350/4 spd/4.10 71 Chevelle 6/PG/3.08 72 Chevelle 454/M21/4.10

08-26-2003, 10:58 AM	#7
A.P. Black 72 Chevy Join Date: May 2002 Location: Los Angeles, California Posts: 662	I have the same leak on my power steering gear box. I hope I have the same success you did bobs409. __________________ 72 Chevy, SWB, 350engine, TH400

08-19-2003, 01:53 PM	#2
JimKshortstep4x4 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Muskegon,MI,USA Posts: 6,026	The seal is pretty easy to fix with the box off. You will want to clean the seal area, remove the spring clip and seal. I believe there is a washer on top of the seal. The seal is a lip seal design similiar to the front crank seal and it presses in. I usually use Permatex #2 on the OD of the seal or some other good sealant and tap it in with an appropriate size pipe. Install the clip and you should be good. NAPA used to carry the seals. Jim

08-19-2003, 02:04 PM	#3
Woody Registered User Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: Georgetown, KY, USA Posts: 631	I did mine with the box on the frame. I pulled the left front tire and the inner fender well, then loosened the steering colm and pulled it back from the box. Got my parts at NAPA or OE Parts.

08-26-2003, 11:01 AM	#8
A.P. Black 72 Chevy Join Date: May 2002 Location: Los Angeles, California Posts: 662	bobs409 do you have the seal part # that you used? __________________ 72 Chevy, SWB, 350engine, TH400

08-26-2003, 01:32 PM	#9
bobs409 1969 Custom 30 wrecker Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Pottsville, Pa Posts: 2,611	AP, It's an easy job. The only tricky part is digging out the dust cover without harming it and getting the seal out. The seal I bought is part #8660 and its made by NAPA. One thing though, my first attempt got me the wrong one. It was too large. I believe it depends on the year of the box. Newer boxes may use the smaller one listed above. __________________ Bob 63 Impala 283/PG/3.36 (under restoration) 66 Impala 327/PG/3.36 66 Chevelle SS 409/M22/3.55 69 Chevelle 307/PG/3.08 (future restoration) 69 C10 short stepside 454/TH350/3.73 69 Custom 30 tow truck 350/4 spd/4.10 (resto done, CRUISIN TIME!) 71 Cheyenne 20 fleetside 350/4 spd/4.10 71 Chevelle 6/PG/3.08 72 Chevelle 454/M21/4.10

08-26-2003, 01:58 PM	#11
bobs409 1969 Custom 30 wrecker Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Pottsville, Pa Posts: 2,611	I was saving that method as a last resort. I managed to dig these out with some picks. Have a drain pan ready though as the fluid will run out. __________________ Bob 63 Impala 283/PG/3.36 (under restoration) 66 Impala 327/PG/3.36 66 Chevelle SS 409/M22/3.55 69 Chevelle 307/PG/3.08 (future restoration) 69 C10 short stepside 454/TH350/3.73 69 Custom 30 tow truck 350/4 spd/4.10 (resto done, CRUISIN TIME!) 71 Cheyenne 20 fleetside 350/4 spd/4.10 71 Chevelle 6/PG/3.08 72 Chevelle 454/M21/4.10

08-26-2003, 04:02 PM	#12
Hotrod70C10 Low & Slow Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Oklahoma Posts: 1,047	I'm glad you guys brought this up! I've been needing to do this also. __________________ 70' C-10 LWB Fleetside 4.5/6 drop

08-26-2003, 04:39 PM	#13
A.P. Black 72 Chevy Join Date: May 2002 Location: Los Angeles, California Posts: 662	bobs409 thanks for the info. __________________ 72 Chevy, SWB, 350engine, TH400

08-30-2003, 05:29 PM	#14
Linus0014 Guest Posts: n/a	I have 11 pages of this, If anyone wants them all Email me and I will send them. Linus0014@dc.rr.com Attached Images

08-30-2003, 05:43 PM	#15
Linus0014 Guest Posts: n/a	#2 Attached Images

08-30-2003, 05:45 PM	#16
Linus0014 Guest Posts: n/a	#3 Attached Images



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08-30-2003, 11:53 PM	#17
roger0080 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: Carver County, Minnesota, USA Posts: 626	Don't you have to remove the giant size hex lock nut first? Then spin out the adjuster plug? How the heck do you do that ? I bought the GM seal kit but sheez I could not see how to get it apart to do this. Since I had so much slop in the steering, I just bought a rebuilt NAPA steering unit to fix it. Don't you have to take the neck apart to replace the seal? __________________ 72 Chev C-10 90% restored (former AZ truck) ... 71 Chev K-20 Cheyenne my vacation crusier... 72 Chev C-10 Now retired and striped after many faithful miles... 72 GMC 1500 Retired to the junk yard after bought new in '71...

08-31-2003, 09:25 AM	#18
JIMs70GMC user # 2756 Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Chesapeake, Virginia Posts: 4,612	I took my steering gear box off and removed the large hex nut w/ two pipe wrenches then tapped the seal and dust cover out and then put the new ones in. I bought the master rebuild kit from napa for the two seals. The master rebuild kit actually covers two different gear boxes. __________________ 1970 K25, 8' stepside bed 350/465/205 44 up front, 60 in the rear 4.10s rolling on 33" Dunlop MTs 1986 K5, 350/465/208 Dana 60/14 bolt from a cucv 36" Super Swampers TSL/SX 1983 K20 w/ CUCV axles, 350/700R4/208 sitting on 37" Goodyears 1986 M1031 6.2 diesel, TH400/NP205 locker in the rear and a LS in the front, all stock for now..... 1986 K30, 350/400/205 dana 60 and 14 bolt. I kept the drivetrain. Body/bad and chassis are gone. 1981 K30, 350/465/205 dana 60 and dually 14 bolt. Has a G80, and a flat bed. Going to replace the flat bed. 1985 K20, 350/400/208 10 bolt and SF 14 bolt. I wonder where I can find some 1 tons. Hmmmmm

08-31-2003, 11:21 AM	#19
bobs409 1969 Custom 30 wrecker Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Pottsville, Pa Posts: 2,611	There was no need to remove that large nut. Disconnect the steering shaft and then remove the rag joint. Clean the area well and you'll see a snap ring. Remove that and then dig out the old dust cover and seal. __________________ Bob 63 Impala 283/PG/3.36 (under restoration) 66 Impala 327/PG/3.36 66 Chevelle SS 409/M22/3.55 69 Chevelle 307/PG/3.08 (future restoration) 69 C10 short stepside 454/TH350/3.73 69 Custom 30 tow truck 350/4 spd/4.10 (resto done, CRUISIN TIME!) 71 Cheyenne 20 fleetside 350/4 spd/4.10 71 Chevelle 6/PG/3.08 72 Chevelle 454/M21/4.10

08-31-2003, 05:11 PM	#20
roger0080 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: Carver County, Minnesota, USA Posts: 626	I tried the pipe wrench route myself, but I would have ended up destroying the hex lock nut. Nothing budges. I had cleaned everything best I could but could not see a snap ring in there where you say. (ie rusty) It didn't look like it would be easy to take that adjuster plug out either with just the 2 little holes that you get to grab onto it with. Did you have to make a special tool for that or could 2 people just tap it out?? Of course, I am working on a 31 year old gear box that has been up exposed to salt and rust. I aim to try this again some day. __________________ 72 Chev C-10 90% restored (former AZ truck) ... 71 Chev K-20 Cheyenne my vacation crusier... 72 Chev C-10 Now retired and striped after many faithful miles... 72 GMC 1500 Retired to the junk yard after bought new in '71...

08-31-2003, 07:06 PM	#21
JIMs70GMC user # 2756 Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Chesapeake, Virginia Posts: 4,612	Bob I couldn't get mine out that way got the dust seal that was it. Roger, 1 good wack on the pipe wrench w/ a hammer broke it loose, spun it off with my hand. __________________ 1970 K25, 8' stepside bed 350/465/205 44 up front, 60 in the rear 4.10s rolling on 33" Dunlop MTs 1986 K5, 350/465/208 Dana 60/14 bolt from a cucv 36" Super Swampers TSL/SX 1983 K20 w/ CUCV axles, 350/700R4/208 sitting on 37" Goodyears 1986 M1031 6.2 diesel, TH400/NP205 locker in the rear and a LS in the front, all stock for now..... 1986 K30, 350/400/205 dana 60 and 14 bolt. I kept the drivetrain. Body/bad and chassis are gone. 1981 K30, 350/465/205 dana 60 and dually 14 bolt. Has a G80, and a flat bed. Going to replace the flat bed. 1985 K20, 350/400/208 10 bolt and SF 14 bolt. I wonder where I can find some 1 tons. Hmmmmm

09-02-2003, 02:08 PM	#22
bobs409 1969 Custom 30 wrecker Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Pottsville, Pa Posts: 2,611	That's weird, with mine, I had more trouble getting the dust cover out than the oil seal. I just used a sharp ice pick to dig both out. Checked it the other day, no leaks. __________________ Bob 63 Impala 283/PG/3.36 (under restoration) 66 Impala 327/PG/3.36 66 Chevelle SS 409/M22/3.55 69 Chevelle 307/PG/3.08 (future restoration) 69 C10 short stepside 454/TH350/3.73 69 Custom 30 tow truck 350/4 spd/4.10 (resto done, CRUISIN TIME!) 71 Cheyenne 20 fleetside 350/4 spd/4.10 71 Chevelle 6/PG/3.08 72 Chevelle 454/M21/4.10

09-13-2003, 09:27 PM	#23
A.P. Black 72 Chevy Join Date: May 2002 Location: Los Angeles, California Posts: 662	Bobs409 I finally have time to work on my truck again and I'm tring to fix the leak on the power steering. But it seems that I don't have a dust cover under the snap ring. I can see the seal. Will try to remove it soon. __________________ 72 Chevy, SWB, 350engine, TH400

09-13-2003, 09:54 PM	#24
A.P. Black 72 Chevy Join Date: May 2002 Location: Los Angeles, California Posts: 662	Testing a pic.

09-13-2003, 09:59 PM	#25
A.P. Black 72 Chevy Join Date: May 2002 Location: Los Angeles, California Posts: 662	Testing Pic. Attached Images

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