Power Steering Unit leaking

[DBF]

The power steering unit (not the pump) is leaking at the stub shaft where the Borgeson shaft connects to it. It's time to do something about it.



The only quote I've been given has been about $430 for a rebuilt unit to replace it and 1. 6 labor hours to swap it in. :{



I don't feel confident in replacing the seals in that thing unless it's a very easy process. The FSM shows the procedure, but it looks relatively complicated for someone who's never been in one.



Any recommendations appreciated.



Regards, DBF

 

[DBF]

I've since found a place called PowerSteeringPros who quote $215 + core charge. Anyone dealt with them?

Regards, DBF

 

[Why Not]

I use West Texas Off-Road when I need a power steering gear rebuilt and sealed. You can send him your box, he will rebuild it and then send you box back to you. I know that the cost is below $200. 00, but not for sure of what the cost is. You will have shipping costs both ways. They do great work. I have never had a problem with anything that Matt at West Texas has done. You can reach them at 877-833-7464.



Thanks



Why Not (Chris)

 

[DValentine]

I have a post "Blew a seal in steering box" on this subject. Shucks, Kragen etc has a seal kit for 12 dollars. There is a snap ring under all the dirt around the steering shaft stub. Pull said snap ring, pop seal out with a seal puller, pop in new one, replace snap ring. Connect steering shaft and your will be on your way.

Dave

 

[PToombs]

The only problem with that is, how pitted is the shaft?

I replaced my seal, and the shaft didn't look good. I was in a bind and said "good enough!" It lasted 1 month, then started leaking again. :{

 

[CHolmsten]

Autozone had the whole assembly for $165 plus core charge, lifetime warranty. Its a pretty easy swap. Undo the pitman arm and remove, undo the power steering lines, undo the four bolts that hold it to the frame and then hook up the new one, reverse for install. make sure to put the front end on jacks and turn the wheels lock to lock like 30 times before starting it or puttng any pressure on the box. I did that a few months back. So far its been around 2K and its doing fine.

 

[MrWinkey]

How do you get the stock steering shaft out tho? I've not been able to get it apart.



Just curious as the roll pin seems to be stuck in there somehow.



Thanks!

 

[CHolmsten]

It can only come out one way, observe it as someone turns the wheel and you will see one side of it is bigger then the other. Also I found out that it helps to have a pickle fork (balljoint separator) handy to separate the shaft from the steering gear. Once you see which way the roll pin is supposed to come out, PB blaster (walmart) the crap out of it, drive it for a bit, PB blaster it again, let it sit overnight, PB blaster it again and then again before you attempt to hammer the pin out, it will make a world of difference. Also if you are going to change the gear PB blaster the crap outta all the bolts you are going to remove in the same manner.

 

[Kiohio]

I need to do this too on the old '89... .

As far as the pitted shaft goes. If it is where the seal rides... .

I have repaired pitted shafts on other stuff by cleaning them up real good,

scarring them real good for adhesions sake(40/80 grit sandpaper).

Wipe them with solvent and applying JB weld or something like it.

You can then sand and polish it to the smoothness of bare steel.

If you are handy with a torch I've seen stuff fixed with braze too.

KO

 

[dpuckett]

CHolmsten -good luck in your parts store reman steering box, and I mean that sincerely. Mom and I have both had them go bad inside of 2 years. There is even a sheet in the packaging that says "side to side movement of the output shaft is normal with this style gear box. " Some line of BS about the style of bearings. So, how much is too much? That is open for interpretation, but I guarantee you is it a CYA for the company paying minumum wage help to rebuild the box. My OEM box with 260K mi has no side to side slack in the pitman arm shaft (internal rotational slack is a different story, though). It's amazing what companies can get away with, and uneducated consumers put up with or dont know any better.



DP

 

[WJones]

Time to consider a PSC steering box perhaps? Spendy however you'll probably never have to buy another.

 

[CHolmsten]

Yes I will admit that the parts house reman is kinda a band-aid but so far it seems to be holding up fairly well, and compared to the one that was in there it is a world of difference. Once this one goes bad I will go with the ATS rebuild