need some steering problem advise
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Elder User
Joined: Feb 2002
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From: Covington usa
need some steering problem advise
I posted this back in March on the steering thread but ni help can anyone here direct me or suggest a direction to start? My power steering fluid will almost drain out completely in 4 to 5 days just setting in the drive way. I've looked and looked and can't see a leak. If I start it and have someone sit under and view they don't see it either...any sure fire way to see if it's hose's, or pump? Do the steering boxes leak much? are they hard to replace...not sure it it's worth pulling the pump then each item one by one...also, if I pull the pump it looks like I also have to pull the pulley first, is that right? Seems to have some sort of bracket holding it and that seems like it has to go as well (I have air, and a turbo) How do you release the belt tension well? I'm a little disabled and climbing up on this beast isn't real easy but I need to fix her up. Hard to even take to shop with this bad of a leak. Any ideas would be nice
i ain't rite
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 65,566
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From: Marlboro Mental Hospital.
check under the box where the pitman arm connects.
i have had to change 4 sector shaft seals on my 88 so far.
look to see if the pitman arm is wet. if it is, than there is a very good chance the seal is bad.
(besides the 3 boxes i had to replace due to stress cracks in the sector shafts.)
i have had to change 4 sector shaft seals on my 88 so far.
look to see if the pitman arm is wet. if it is, than there is a very good chance the seal is bad.
(besides the 3 boxes i had to replace due to stress cracks in the sector shafts.)
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2005
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TJC has given you a good place to start. I also had to replace a seal in the steering box. However you must find the source of the leak before you go any further. Clean the steering box as well as you can and also as far up the hoses as you can from underneath. Once you have all the old fluid cleaned you should see the leak. At the rate of loss you describe I would suspect a leaking fluid return hose but that`s to find out. I know how difficult it can be to find an oil leak especilly in akward places so good luck.
Posting Guru
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,208
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From: North Reading Mass
My 94 had a leak on the shaft that connects to the pitman arm. I replaced the seal but the shaft was slightly scored and it took a while (about a week) before the leak stopped. I did use Lucas PS fluid which has a stop leak in it. The Lucas also stopped the whine from the pump. I did flush the system which was pretty dirty.
YMMV
rikard
YMMV
rikard
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From: Covington usa
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i ain't rite
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 65,566
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From: Marlboro Mental Hospital.
the sector shaft seal is not that bad if you have the tools. the hardest part is getting it seated properly.
but if the sector shaft is scored or stress cracked, the new seal will not work but for a few weeks than start leaking again.
that is the reason for changing the box.
i get them from napa for around $200
but if the sector shaft is scored or stress cracked, the new seal will not work but for a few weeks than start leaking again.
that is the reason for changing the box.
i get them from napa for around $200
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Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2005
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Changing the seal is not that difficult. Drop the pitman arm. If you are lucky this can be levered off after removal of the nut, otherwise you may need a puller. I was able to get the pitman arm off mine with a pry bar and a sharp blow with a hammer. Then just remove the snap ring and pry out the old seal and washers. Note the order each washer and the seal comes out so you can replace in exactly the same order. If you have never done it before should not take longer than an hour. A seal kit is only a few $ so may be worth a try. As rikard says Lucas Power Steering additive can be a great help in slowing or stopping a leak.
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Elder User
Joined: Feb 2002
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From: Covington usa
thanks all for your help and advise, if any of you have the turbo diesel like mine and have ever placed the power steering pump I was wondering if I had to remove the pulley in place or have to remove the whole mounting bracket first. Hard to see underneath... soon as it gets a little warmer and there so what fair weather I'll try and clean the whole system and take a close look
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 1,324
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From: Michigan
On my 5.0, you need to remove the pulley before removing the pump from behind the bracket. The chain auto parts usually have a tool rental program where you can just use their puller and installer, just leave a deposit.
As for replacing the sector shaft seal, I've read on here, remove nut, pitman arm, and circlip. Place a large pan under steering box and start the engine. Turn steering wheel to full lock both ways until the seal pops out, along with all the fluid.
When I replaced a seal on mine, I pried the seal out. After installing new seal and remaining parts, she leaked worse than to begin with. So, I just went for a reman at Napa.
As for replacing the sector shaft seal, I've read on here, remove nut, pitman arm, and circlip. Place a large pan under steering box and start the engine. Turn steering wheel to full lock both ways until the seal pops out, along with all the fluid.
When I replaced a seal on mine, I pried the seal out. After installing new seal and remaining parts, she leaked worse than to begin with. So, I just went for a reman at Napa.
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Elder User
Joined: Feb 2002
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From: Covington usa
well just had to come back and re-post to close out thios conversation. I found that my box was leaking and instead of rebuilding we replaced it and works like a charm..thanks all for your advise
Elder User
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 754
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From: Solon, Ohio
Although I havn't done mine and tried it yet, I ran into a mechanic while at the parts store picking up my pitman shaft seal rebuilding kit.
He says he does lots of them, and the best way to get the old seals and spacer washers out after the snap has been removed is to lay a big piece of plastic (visquene) down and a large pan. Then start the truck and quickly turn the wheel all the way one way.
The pressure should blow them out.
He says he does lots of them, and the best way to get the old seals and spacer washers out after the snap has been removed is to lay a big piece of plastic (visquene) down and a large pan. Then start the truck and quickly turn the wheel all the way one way.
The pressure should blow them out.
Freshman User
Joined: Apr 2008
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Anybody know - would a steering box off of an 88 with a 302 be compatible with an 87 with a 300? Both 2wd. I have an 88 sitting around right now, and I'd like to pull as many parts before I say goodbye to it. Plus I do have a bad pwr str leak as well on the 87... Both F150's as well