steering box work
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Senior User
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steering box work
I am considering doing some work on my power steering box which is leaking. I am wanting to remove the sector shaft and replace the seals and o-rings which accompany it whilst the steering box is still in the truck (89 f150) . Just wanting to know if anyone here who has done a similar job has any tips or advice before I start this task.
thanks
thanks
Cargo Master
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 3,118
Likes: 149
From: South Dakota
My advice DON'T TRY IT. Don't try it with the box still in the truck that is.
Now if you remove the box from the truck it's a decently easy job. You say you want to remove the sector shaft, if all you have is external leaks and the steering works alright otherwise I wouldn't even try to remove the sector shaft.
I would just remove the box from the truck. Use flare nut wrenches to loosen the hydraulic lines. Replace JUST the external seals and any closely associated parts. The kits will have a lot of extra parts, don't worry about using those parts. Again this is just if your steering works good other than the external leaks.
Now if you remove the box from the truck it's a decently easy job. You say you want to remove the sector shaft, if all you have is external leaks and the steering works alright otherwise I wouldn't even try to remove the sector shaft.
I would just remove the box from the truck. Use flare nut wrenches to loosen the hydraulic lines. Replace JUST the external seals and any closely associated parts. The kits will have a lot of extra parts, don't worry about using those parts. Again this is just if your steering works good other than the external leaks.
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ok no worries. Yes it is only leaking out of the seal on the output shaft of the box. So these oil seals can be removed without removing the sector shaft? if so that is the way Ill go, I certainly dont want to be putting myself through any other work that I dont need to do.
Cheers for the advice.
Cheers for the advice.
Cargo Master
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 3,118
Likes: 149
From: South Dakota
Yes they can. In fact removing the sector shaft wouldn't help at all. Just pry the seals out and replace them with the new ones. Use type F automatic transmission fluid as your power steering fluid after you replace the seals, if you don't already use it as your power steering fluid.
Cargo Master
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 3,118
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From: South Dakota
When you go to remove the old seals, it may work best to drill a hole in the outside of the seal and screw a screw in that hole and then pull up on the screw. It seems the seals are down in there a bit and it's hard to just pry them out.
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 450
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From: Merchantville, NJ 08109
Good luck getting the pitman arm off- They are usually so frozen on, you may need to buy another arm, and break the old one to get it off! I broke the blasted puller trying to get mine off- I finally went with a Motorcraft rebuilt from Rock(after getting a real POS one from Pep Boys), and have never regretted replacing the box... Remember- you have a couple decades of wear in there... Best to swap it out, IMHO...
Scott
Scott
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Ok, thanks. Ill buy in a new pitman arm before I start doing anything. I was considering getting a reconditioned box however my truck although old has only done 108,000km and the only issue with the steering box is the leak so was hoping to save a bit of $ buy just replacing the leaky seal.
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You dont need a new pitman arm. Just rent a good puller since you're going to need it anyway. Give the side of the arm a few good wacks with a hammer, put the pitman arm puller on the arm, put an impact on the top and pull the trigger, it will come right off.
The problem is people try using the junk made in China pullers from the parts store. With a good quality puller they come right off.
The problem is people try using the junk made in China pullers from the parts store. With a good quality puller they come right off.
Cargo Master
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 2,674
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From: Ideeho
What he said^^^^^^ Also, when you reinstall it.....put some anti-seize on the splines and make it easier for the next time. Instead of drilling a hole in the seal.....use an awl and just punch a hole.......punching will roll a bit of a lip which helps hold the screw while pulling on it...
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