So I took my bendix pump apart since it was leaking (I know big surprise) my question is I know seal kits are elusive and $$$ but I'm just looking for the seal on either side of the main body... is that the elusive seal nobody can get? If so can't I just get some gasket paper and make a new seal myself? I marked the picture with the seal location I'm looking for

 

I can't help fix your part but I used this to convert my truck to manual steering. I'm very happy with it. Some good deals on used ones also.

 

This is not a pump, it's the Power Assist P/S Control Valve.

And, are you sure your 1974 F250 4WD has Bendix P/S?

Garrison Power Assist P/S: 1973 F250 4WD; 1974 F250 4WD before serial number T80,001.

Bendix P/S: 1974 F250 4WD from serial number T80,001, 1975/77 F250 4WD

 

Yes sorry I know it's power assist, I just get used to typing power steering into google to find search results. Yes that is the box on the side of my truck. Here's a pic of the main body (currently taken apart and off my truck) and one partial pic of it while it's on.

 

There is no seal that goes on either end of the main body. All the sealing is done by the spool seals and the small pistol below the spool. Theoretically, there should never be fluid getting past the spool seals, thus nullifying the need for seals on either end of the body. That's why when you see one of those control valves with RTV in that area, an unknowing mechanic tried to seal off a problem that can be traced to the internal seals of the unit.

 

Also, when looking for seals and rebuild kits, speak to Randy, of stangerssite.com. He's a very nice feller and even sent me extra seals for free when I messed up mine due to improper installation.

 

I might look into manual steering, but I'd sure like to keep the power assist lol, makes it nice when backing my truck into the tight garage space. Feathering the clutch, brake, looking back, getting over the hump in the concrete, not hitting the spare bed, and not going thru the wall is a lot to think about and barely being able to turn the wheel doesn't help... I've already done that twice and it's not too much fun lol

 

So my first pic you can see my trial seals in white, one goes on the surface you see in the pic and that I marked in the first... so there shouldn't be any seals there? Well dang then yes I've definitely got a leak somewhere else because it's coming out from that space

 

Yep... no seals there. look at your spool seals. They must be supple to expand and seal properly. Yours are likely hardened up and not doing that anymore. You can spin them in a drill and cut a groove for an O ring in them, and they will work very well. I have homespun seals in mine and it has been absolutely leak free for almost 2 years so far.

 

I did notice when taking the pump apart, the pieces I marked in blue aren't quite the same. I don't have the circle gaskets/washers? And my springs are big enough to slide over the center piece. Sorry if this seems rambly or jumbled. I'm still new to this era of truck and all it's technology.

Edit* I added pics of mine

 

Sorry to sound ignorant but which are my spool seals?

Also ND here is a pic of me just holding it on the truck as to show the whole device also you can see a pretty decent homemade (hindsight) seal that lead me to believe there were originally seals here.

 

3A730 is the complete control valve, some parts were only furnished with it.

Parts with arrows and black square also available in 3A650 control valve repair kit.

Parts with arrows and % supplied in 3A675 control valve spring centering kit.

 

Ok so I found the missing washer but I'm not sure where it was originally because when I pulled the pieces out they looked like the first pic: with the spring over the center piece. Is the second picture the proper way it should be (plus the missing washer I found)?

Also is it ok that my end caps are smooth with no protrusion unlike the diagram?

 

Any body know?

 

Well I stumbled upon a second bendix valve I acquired from grinnergetter and I'm taking it apart. I took apart that bottom section of springs and valves. However I can't get all the pieces out. Any suggestions? A bolt and small sledge hasn't don't any good but to dent the one cap. It's STUCK. Any advice would be appreciated. I plan to clean the new valve and internals and swap that into my truck and hope it doesn't leak; or at least not as bad as before.