Brake fluid trick for leaky steering box? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

**71CHEVYSHORTBED402** · 08-15-2024, 11:25 PM

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 · 08-15-2024, 11:46 PM

Dont do it

use 1 oz of Vitamin E

**Sheepdip** · Yesterday, 12:16 AM

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** · Yesterday, 08:36 PM

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

**dmjlambert** · Yesterday, 11:03 PM

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

08-15-2024, 11:25 PM	#1
71CHEVYSHORTBED402 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Northern Nevada Posts: 7,229	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? __________________ 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

08-15-2024, 11:46 PM	#2
GSP7 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: Idaho Posts: 644	Re: Brake fluid trick for leaky steering box? Dont do it use 1 oz of Vitamin E __________________ '81 K20 Silverado , '99 Dodge Cummins 4x4, '05 Dodge Cummins 4x4, Pinstriping-Lettering-Specialty Painting

Yesterday, 12:16 AM	#3
Sheepdip Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2018 Location: Waterford California Posts: 2,516	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.

Yesterday, 08:36 PM	#4
LockDoc The Older Generation Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Montezuma, Iowa Posts: 25,481	Re: Brake fluid trick for leaky steering box? - I also used the Lucas stop leak and it worked for me.... . __________________ Leon Locksmith, Specializing In Antique Trucks, Automobiles, & Motorcycles (My Dually Pickup Project Thread) http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=829820 -

Yesterday, 11:03 PM	#5
dmjlambert Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2016 Location: Cypress, TX Posts: 3,691	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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