Archived Steering box leak

[RBeard]

Found a spot on my driveway today. Appears to come from steering box where steering shaft enters. Is this a do-it-yourself thing or shop fix???

 

[LOtero]

well if its the input where the column shaft goes into there are bearing preload and over center ratings. you have to remove the big nut if I remember right. do a search for gear box seals there is a lot of info. I'd say if mechaniicly inclined go for it but its easier If youve done a few.

 

[Alan Reagan]

Sometimes the "over center" nut will leak. It's on top of the pump in the front.



The input shaft preload is not hard to adjust. Just remove the steering shaft (I like to tie the steering wheel so it does move), knock of the big lock nut with a hammer and punch. The flat plat being held in position by the lock nut has two holes in it. Rather than a hammer and punch, I used two small punches stuck in the holes to adjust. Mine was easy to turn. Snug the plate and then back off 3/16". If you have it too snug, steering will be difficult and the wheel won't return to center after a turn. Reinstall the lock nut and steering shaft after the adjustment is made.