I just noticed that my power steering box is leaking. I am not sure where the leak is. It appears to be where the pitman arm joins the shaft. Would there be fluid to this area? Where do steering boxes commonly leak? It does not have play in the box so I don't think I need a rebuilt unit. If I did get one though, would that fix a leak at the pitman arm/shaft joint? I'm not sure what would be included in the rebuilt box, does it include the pitman arm/shaft?

 

You have a sector shaft seal going bad. This is the shaft that the pitman arm is mounted on, and it's a fairly common problem. You can remove the pitman arm and replace the seal, or, if the box is bad, replace the whole thing with a rebuilt unit (around $200). Not a terribly big deal either way, but don't wait too long. The leak will get progressively worse fairly quickly. Keep your power steering pump topped off in the meantime..... it will go through fluid quicker than you may realize.

 

I'm not sure I fully answered your questions..... Rebuilt boxes do not typically come with the pitman arm. You'll need to reuse yours after removing it from the old box. Aside from the three bolts holding your box to the frame and the power steering line connections, the only other obstacle will be disconnecting and reconnecting the steering shaft on the top of the box at the rag joint. The whole process is fairly simple and straightforward, and will correct any leakage problem. Of course, if the internals are in good shape (no wear or play), you can likely save some money by replacing the seal, itself. (The pitman arm will still need to be removed, though; it will take a puller and a 1 5/16" (I'm pretty sure) socket.)

 

Thanks for your help. I'm still a bit confused as to what the pitman arm and sector shaft are. There is one coming out from near the firewall, it's connected to the steering wheel I assume, and I think that is the pitman arm. About halfway down to the box, it joins into another part and is covered by a small plastic cap that can be removed. Is that the sector shaft? It looks like it leaks at this joint, so how would a new box fix this? Or does the sector shaft come with the box, and you have to attach it to the pitman arm? I don't even see what fluid would be doing at that joint, maybe it is just collecting there. Does this make any sense? Also, if I just want to replace the seal, do I have to remove the box?

 

The shaft that comes from the firewall is just commonly known as a "steering shaft" (original, huh?). And you're right, it simply connects your steering wheel to the steering gearbox, which is bolted to your frame and has the two power steering lines connecting into it. The steering shaft does have a universal joint, or flex joint, or two in it to allow for changes in geometry, and closer to the box there is a connector which serves to couple the shaft to the box, itself. (This connector may be covered by a plastic dust boot or cover). The steering shaft itself would not leak (it's basically a piece of steel), but if there was a nearby leak from, say, where the power steering lines connect into the top of the steering gearbox, they could be getting it dirty and wet, giving it that appearance. The pitman arm is that short, stubby piece pressed onto the [sector] shaft coming out of the bottom of the gearbox, which connects to the center drag link. When you turn the steering wheel, the gearbox in turn rotates the sector shaft, which pivots the pitman arm, which moves the steering linkage back and forth. There is a seal on the bottom of the gearbox, above the pitman arm, which seals around the sector shaft. If this was bad on your truck, the gearbox would be leaking from around the bottom. It sounds as if your leak is closer to the top of the box, which could mean a leaking power steering line or, possibly, a leaking power steering line fitting. Hope this helps!

 

Yes, that was very helpful! There seems to be fluid all over, I have to go under the truck when the snow clears and see if I can find out exactly where it is coming from. I don't drive it much lately as I have been using a company truck. So I have some time to find the leak.

 

Sounds good. It may be hard to find, if everything is wet. Winter is a bad time to try to clean things, but if temperatures permit, you may consider taking it to the local car wash (the type with the coin operated pressure-washer) and hosing down the steering parts with Gunk Engine Brite and pressure washing them off. It will be a lot easier to find a leak against clean parts. (It would be a good idea to grease your center link and tie rod ends after this). Pay careful attention to the low pressure power steering hose. While your problem may be in the high pressure line or elsewhere just as easily, the low pressure line is an easy fix, as the rubber section can be removed from the metal fittings and replaced using 3/8" hose. In a lot of cases, people will use fuel line as a substitute. This will last a while (I've used it myself), but it's not the best answer. You can purchase bulk 3/8" hose specially made to withstand tranny fluid (in many cases the same as power steering fluid) from most auto parts stores. This is made for add-on tranny coolers, incidently, but with a couple of hose clamps it makes a great replacement for the low pressure line. On the high-pressure, you'll need to replace the whole part (not just the rubber). Do yourself a favor.... use a quality one - NAPA, Gates, or Ford. Be happy..... now you know your truck isn't a counterfeit. If it leaks power steering fluid, it's definitely a genuine Ford truck !

 

Funny! But good advice. I had someone in the truck today turning the wheels back and forth while I looked for the leak. It's not spraying out so it must be a slow leak. It appears to be coming out of the pump itself. Is this possible? Do the pumps leak? It does not seem to be coming from the sector shaft seal at all. It is dry down there except for a little that is running down the box. I would have to say it is the pump because it is collecting underneath the pump on that little "shelf" and on the cross member. What do you think?

 

It's certainly possible..... at least you're getting it narrowed down. I believe the high pressure line has an o-ring in the end of one or both of its fittings. The problem could be as simple as one of these getting old. I'd still recommend cleaning everything up and watching for wet spots (always a good idea , no matter WHAT you're doing!) Depending on your mileage and age of the original, you may start thinking about changing out the pump and lines, anyway. It's not uncommon for them to wear out. I believe the average (quality) lines sell for around $20 - $30 each, and a remanufactured pump sells for around $60.

 

 

I have the same problem, the sector shaft seal is leaking we took the steering box off and we cannot get the old metal spacers (underneath the rubber seals) out. any ideas would be apreciated, thank you!!!!

 

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