Power steering fluid leak

[Herman8r]

I just noticed the steering box is leaking (small drip). It seems to be at the Pitman arm. Also--when I checked the fluid the cap "popped" off when I removed it (engine off). Seems to have built up pressure. Is this normal???



can the steering box be re-sealed??



Thanks

 

[BDaugherty]

The steering box can be resealed. I've done a couple in the past and I don't really remember the specifics well enough to offer any advice. However, I do recall that it wasn't the easiest job ever.

 

[SNGLESHOT]

Power steering pump will build pressure. I had viewed some TDR posts regarding this issue and some wrench turners here have acutlaly lowered their fluid levels below the add line to compensate for this excessive pressure build up. Do a forum search and I am sure you will find more on this subject. Good luck to you.

 

[Herman8r]

thanks for the info--I can't help but think that the built up pressure is causing the problem ???

 

[Herman8r]

Bdaugherty--I noticed in your sig that you have a PSC steering box. Was this due to a leak or did you change it for the performance--or both??

 

[Bob4x4]

thanks for the info--I can't help but think that the built up pressure is causing the problem ???

I don't think so... ... ... There is a thread from a while back on Cummins forum on how to rework the cap for that issue. Usually when that seal leaks there is also play there.

 

[Herman8r]

Thanks BoB---regarding the cap issue--did it have to be drilled for a vent??



HJR

 

[Bob4x4]

IIRC there is a small vent hole under the seal that tends to plug,the post describes enlarging it.

 

[DDT]

If you find more info (other posts) let me know were to find them, My all of the sterring box is WET, and drips off the pitman arm. Drives like a new one at this time.

 

[Herman8r]

DDT--here's what I learned so far. There are rebuild kits out there for the steering box. I did a google search & found a lot of info. I did not find any info about built up pressure in the fluid reservoir. I tried to find info about modifing the cap vent --but no luck. I did find that changing the fluid at or before 30,000 miles is a must.



I also noted that a lot of people are unhappy with the unit in their Dodge Truck. It seem these units are prone to leaks because of stress??



I found rebuilt units from our local Carquest--$300. 00 & also PSC has unit for $345. 00+ shipping. I am going to call PSC & ask what is different or better about their unit.

Maybe someone could give us some input on that. My original unit has 58,000 miles & just started leaking.



Geno's has all the after market add on accessories for the front end to stabilize the steering-----death wobble problem.



Good Luck,

HJR

 

[Herman8r]

DDT--I just got off the phone form Lance at PSC. I asked if there is anything spacial about their box & he said "no". All they can do is rebuild your unit. No mods. He said the turn around time is 2-3 days & "the unit is under sized for the truck". He said about the only thing to do is to strengthen the frame with an after market brace.



Lance was very professional and helpful during our conversation.



HJR

 

[Bob4x4]

PM dieselady she has all the details on modifying the cap

 

[gfresh]

Herman8r, damned good question. I have a wet steering box too. My steering is really, really stiff when i'm parked on pavement (not moving). I pretty much can't turn the steering wheel unless i'm moving. My pump doesn't squeal so i'm guessing it's in the leaky box. I'd be interested to know more about Dougherty's rebuild. Can you buy a seal kit?

 

[Herman8r]

Thanks Bob4x4--I will PM dieselady & do some research.



gfresh--here is a link for rebuild kits (one of many sites)PavementSucks.com - Truck Tech - Steering Box Rebuild - Dodge, Ram, 4x4, 4 wheel drive, 4wd, off road, off-road, wheeling, trails, DIY, trucks, Chevy, Ford, clubs, mud bog, rockcrawling, Toyota, Gallery, mud, rocks, readers rides, full-size, message



One thing Lance at PSC told me was increasing tire size would put added stress on the steering system that is already under powered. He also told me the box on our trucks can't be machined or modified for extra performance. It is was it is. He mentioned most light to mid sized trucks built have the same problems.

 

[gfresh]

Stock tires on my rig. I had the same problem (among other steering problems) with my '98 CTD. That box rebuild looks like a lot of work. I might just go with a new box - with the core rebate, it's not that expensive. Herman8r, do you mind if I post a picture of my leaky steering box? (I don't want to hijack your thread. )

 

[Herman8r]

gfresh--pics always help---please feel free.



I agree--the rebuild looks like too much work!!

 

[gfresh]

wet steering box

It seems to be wet all over. View attachment 72570

 

[gfresh]

I can get a pitman arm puller for $20 and I hope the box replacement will be pretty straight forward. I haven't had a good look at it yet but that lug "screw" might be a bit of head scratcher - there's no nut on it. You can see it just to right of the pitman arm connection - it attaches the lowest part of the steering box to the frame. I'll post any problems after I get the new one in.



(That shaft extension under the pitman arm is part of the BD Steering Stabilizer kit. I now get to take all that off again to replace the box. Good thing I don't do this for a living. )



By the way, the first time I noticed that my steering was stiff while parked, I just topped up the fluid and it was fine for awhile. Of course, as something's apparently leaking all over the place, that was a temporary solution. I'm going to try to make sure fluid isn't coming from above the box (like from the power steering pump, wherever that is) before I get that new box.



Is this what yours looks like, Herman8r?

 

[DDT]

Thanks for the info so far guys. My truck came with 285s in it, makes me wonder if that helped or hurt? My truck is used every day so I might try to buy a replacement and swap them out. Still looking at this time, there is a guy in Springfield Mo. (Power Steering Services, Inc. ) that know a lot about sterring boxes but have not crossed paths with him yet.

DDT

 

[DDT]

gfesh, ours boxes look the same except our pitman arm is dry