Power Steering Box Seal
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: White Haven, PA
Power Steering Box Seal
I have a 2004 super duty with a 5.4 gas engine. the seal directly above the pitman arm on my steering box has been leaking for some time and just recently began to leak worse. I took it to a local mechanic to see how much it would cost to repair. and he recommended to replace the entire steering box with a rebuilt unit. his answer to me was that the bushings in the top of the steering box wear and if i would replace the seal the play in the steering shaft would just cause the seal to start leaking in another month or so. has anyone replaced the seal and if so how long did it last or should i just take the adivice of my mechanic and replace the steering box. I would rather make the easier $15 repair rather than a $300 replacement. I'm open to opinions and past experiences here.
FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 42,561
Likes: 423
From: Long Island USA
There are usually two seals in a steering box, the "dust seal" which is visible, and then there is either an o-ring or some other type of plastic seal inside that actually keeps the oil inside. That second seal is a PAIN to replace because the box has to come apart to replace it. I don't have access right now to my Ford service manual on CD, and I can't remember from past times I've looked.
While I've had some luck changing just the dust seal on some other Fords, and the leak stops for a while, I would certainly heed that mechanic's advise, but I would also check the shaft for play before I do anything.
If there is no play in the shaft, you could spend the $15 to see if it helps for a while.
While I've had some luck changing just the dust seal on some other Fords, and the leak stops for a while, I would certainly heed that mechanic's advise, but I would also check the shaft for play before I do anything.
If there is no play in the shaft, you could spend the $15 to see if it helps for a while.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
mjr46
1973 - 1979 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
18
Oct 16, 2016 09:37 PM
Rippin6Gears
1999 - 2003 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel
0
Jan 30, 2016 04:12 PM
knteriele
1980 - 1986 Bullnose F100, F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
2
Dec 14, 2003 12:56 PM
