Steering gearbox replacement?
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Senior User
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From: sourthern NJ
Steering gearbox replacement?
My '93 Ranger 3.0 V6 (165,000K) is leaking steering fluid rapidly from the bottom seal of the gearbox. I figure the steering gearbox needs to be replaced. I'm wondering how difficult of a job it is. Is it something I can easily do without any specialty tools? Any tips are appreciated.
Cargo Master
Joined: May 2001
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You can reseal them I have done it a number of times with good success rate. They sell a kit. You have to pull the pitman arm off with a puller then remove the snap ring and then rapidly turn the steering wheel from lock to lock this should push the old seal out then install the new seal and snap ring and reinstall the pitman arm. Usually the biggest hassle one has is getting the pitman arm off it takes a special puller but most auto stores loan this tool out if you buy the kit from them.
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From: sourthern NJ
Originally Posted by wtroger
You can reseal them I have done it a number of times with good success rate. They sell a kit. You have to pull the pitman arm off with a puller then remove the snap ring and then rapidly turn the steering wheel from lock to lock this should push the old seal out then install the new seal and snap ring and reinstall the pitman arm. Usually the biggest hassle one has is getting the pitman arm off it takes a special puller but most auto stores loan this tool out if you buy the kit from them.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Dec 2003
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From: Virginia
I just swapped out my old gearbox for a new/reman unit. It was leaking a bit and my p/s pump + hoses were getting changed so I just swapped out the old gearbox too.
I didn't attempt to repair it since it seemed pointless. If you do drop it, it will come out a lot easier than it goes back in. I needed an extra set of hands to help align the steering shaft with the input on the gear box. What a PITA!
If you remove it: You will need a 1 5/16" socket or wrench to get the pitman arm nut off (or 33mm if you can find it). As mentioned above, you can rent a pitman arm puller at most parts stores. Watch out for the fittings on the ends of the lines as they can get damaged easy. Also, the 3 bolts that secure the gear box to the frame can be hard to get out. 2 of mine came out easy, but the first one I tried wouldn't turn at all. I ended up snapping that bolt about 1/2" from the head.
I didn't attempt to repair it since it seemed pointless. If you do drop it, it will come out a lot easier than it goes back in. I needed an extra set of hands to help align the steering shaft with the input on the gear box. What a PITA!
If you remove it: You will need a 1 5/16" socket or wrench to get the pitman arm nut off (or 33mm if you can find it). As mentioned above, you can rent a pitman arm puller at most parts stores. Watch out for the fittings on the ends of the lines as they can get damaged easy. Also, the 3 bolts that secure the gear box to the frame can be hard to get out. 2 of mine came out easy, but the first one I tried wouldn't turn at all. I ended up snapping that bolt about 1/2" from the head.
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From: sourthern NJ
Thanks for the info. I've decided to just replace the seal - if that proves to be the problem when I get under there. Good to know the size of the socket needed for the pitman arm nut. I found the lower seal kit for $20 and Taylor rental has the puller for $8/day - way cheaper than the $175 for the grearbox. Hopefully the seal is the problem and is much easy to fix.
wtroger - I'm also assuming it's best to leave the vehicle on the ground - so when turning the wheels lock-to-lock it builds up as much pressure as possible to ushthe seal out?
wtroger - I'm also assuming it's best to leave the vehicle on the ground - so when turning the wheels lock-to-lock it builds up as much pressure as possible to ushthe seal out?
Cargo Master
Joined: May 2001
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Either way you want to hear the pump squeal against the lock. It will quit squealing when the sea comes out.
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From: sourthern NJ
Originally Posted by wtroger
Either way you want to hear the pump squeal against the lock. It will quit squealing when the sea comes out.
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Cargo Master
Joined: May 2001
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I don't remember if you can get it off without dropping it out of the tie rod if you can then I wouldn't take it apart. When you set up the pitman puller it may not just pull it off. These can be sure enough tight. I usually tap around the outside edge of the pitman with a hammer before starting then put the pitman puller on and suck it up tight if doesn't budge the smack the end of the puller with a large hammer. Then suck it up tight again it will come off.