Brake fluid trick for leaky steering box?

[71CHEVYSHORTBED402]

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?

[GSP7]

Dont do it

use 1 oz of Vitamin E

[Sheepdip]

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.

[LockDoc]

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I also used the Lucas stop leak and it worked for me....
.

[dmjlambert]

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

[71CHEVYSHORTBED402]

Originally Posted by dmjlambert

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

The inner fender is what I meant by skirt. I hear you, but it would be nice to avoid it. I hear stop leak buys only a year, perhaps that's just the radiator.

Originally Posted by GSP7

Dont do it

use 1 oz of Vitamin E

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.

[Accelo]

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.

[Rust_never_sleeps]

Originally Posted by Accelo

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.

Pretty sure using silicon brake fluid has the same effect: swells them and degrades them at the same time.

Some people swear by Mystery Oil, but I feel it's also a stopgap measure

[j_cst_10]

It’s very inexpensive and not difficult to reseal the box. You can do it with the steering box still attached to the frame. There are some write ups on it here, it’s easy. I’ve done several since they all seem to leak.

[71CHEVYSHORTBED402]

Originally Posted by j_cst_10

It’s very inexpensive and not difficult to reseal the box. You can do it with the steering box still attached to the frame. There are some write ups on it here, it’s easy. I’ve done several since they all seem to leak.

No kidding, I didn't consider it could be done without pulling the box. I'll have to look into it.

I've decided to pass on any tricks or additives, you guys talked me out of it thanks. Might fix the box for a stint, then again, seems it might blow a seal in a perfectly good pump.

[71CHEVYSHORTBED402]

Originally Posted by j_cst_10

It’s very inexpensive and not difficult to reseal the box. You can do it with the steering box still attached to the frame. There are some write ups on it here, it’s easy. I’ve done several since they all seem to leak.

No kidding, I didn't consider it could be done without pulling the box. I'll have to look into it.

I've decided to pass on any tricks or additives, you guys talked me out of it thanks. Might fix the box for a stint, then again, seems it might blow a seal in a perfectly good pump.