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Steering box question

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Old Apr 26, 2012 | 09:01 PM
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Steering box question

Hey guys was under my truck patching a pinhole in my oil pan the other day and noticed i had some fluid leaking from my power steering box. It wasnt a lot but it is there and I was wondering do i need to redo the seals or just leave it be?
 
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Old Apr 26, 2012 | 11:10 PM
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You can leave it be, it could be years before the leak is of any importance (keep an eye in the steering fluid level, if it's dropping too fast then work on the seals). The leak probably comes from the sector shaft's seal. Eventually you will need to replace those seals, then give the link in my signature a look.
 
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Old Apr 27, 2012 | 12:08 AM
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where is it coming from on the box? the pressure line and return line are mounted on top right next to each other toward the back of the box. these are what went on mine. Encho is the local expert though. His steering box rebuild thread is quite complete. A new/rebuilt box is about $130. 50+ lbs and you'll need a pitman arm puller.
 
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Old Apr 27, 2012 | 06:20 AM
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well all i saw was a drop on the shaft of the box that the pitman arm connects to. Could it also be from the truck sitting? I bought it from a guy whos grandfather owned the truck and passed away but it had been sitting for a while. Last time it was registered was 2007 i believe. Ive been going through it before i register it makking it road worthy and what not
 
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Old Apr 27, 2012 | 07:07 AM
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That's the sector shaft and its seal is the one leaking, it's the most common leak cause on most of the cases, so yours wasn't different. did you hit the link? all the info you need is there.
 
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Old Apr 27, 2012 | 03:13 PM
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I looked at the link a few times just havnet had the time to sit down and read it all yet.
 
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Old Apr 27, 2012 | 11:04 PM
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It could be from the truck sitting, if it is just a very minor leak drive it around a bit and see what happens. You aren't going to loose steering control. If it has been sitting a while you should def. hit up all the grease fittings, check the serpentine belt etc etc. How long did it sit?
 
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Old Apr 27, 2012 | 11:14 PM
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Just saw that the last time it was registered was 5 years ago. you might want to check your brake rotors and see if they are badly rusted (pits) might be worth having them turned. If it's a 4wd make sure the linkages arent frozen and lube them. Flush the radiator, check the color of the tranny fluid and differential fluid, all new filters, the works. Amazing that a truck can sit that long and work. Must have been in decent shape before it went into hibernation.
 
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Old Apr 28, 2012 | 07:32 AM
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Well the guy i bought it off of had started to do some body work to it and tuned it up before he decided to sell it it but i think that was a year or two. I plan on going through it but so far just taking care of major things. The body is in great shape only needs a little patch work on the passanger fender or get a replacement, and a new grille and some paint.
 
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