I have a 96 F150 4x4 . The steering box started leaking really bad from the bottom seal today! Do I need to replace the Steering box or can I just replace the Seal? Does the box need to be removed to replace the seal? and....How hard is it to remove and replace the Box?
Any help would be greatly appreciated!


Thanks
Paul

 

You can replace just the seal. I have always taken the box off and replaced both the upper and lower seals. You could try a method I only read about on here if you only wish to replace the lower seal: remove the pitman arm(you will need a puller to do this) remove the snap ring holding the lower seal in and start the engine briefly, this is supposed to push the lower seal out. USE CAUTION WHEN YOU START THE TRUCK MAKING SURE NO ONE IS ANYWHERE NEAR THE FRONT OF THE TRUCK AS THE SEAL AND SOME FLUID IS FORCED OUT. Install the new seal and snap ring, replace the pitman arm and torque the nut holding it on to specs. The seals come in a kit(upper or lower) fairly reasonably priced from Ford, you may be able to easily install some of the other parts in the kit also, but don't try to use up all the parts in the kit.

 

Don't forget to clean the bottom of the unit, around the seal area. Suck all the fluid out of the pump, Old turkey baster will work, and use new fluid. Pump is self bleeding. Turn left/turn right...Check fluid often and check for leaks. Let us know how it goes.

 

Good advice from these guys. The only think I would add is try to note the order the old seals and washers come out and install the new ones in the same way. It should only be 40min job tops. Good luck.

 

It is a very easy job. U will need a 1 5/16 socket a pitman arm puller and a pair of snapring pliers. The hardest part is getting out the snap ring, and once u do just fire up the truck and turn the steering wheel to full left or right and the seal comes right out. Make sure that the groove for the snap ring is clean or it may not seat all the way.

 

Be prepared for the pitman arm to give you trouble

 

I have the same problem with my 1995 F-150 gear box leaking. I read some posts on here about only replacing the seals, and that is what I was going to do.

The only problem is we have very harsh winters here with a lot of road salt, and it is hard on vehicles. I went in to the Ford dealer to buy the seals, and the owner of the dealership was working. He said that around here, I can guarantee you will need a shaft as well. He said that guys come in and buy the seals and come back with the gear box leaking worse. He said they are even having to put new shafts in trucks as new as 2002. I took his advice because I know him quite well, and trust he was trying to help me out. I decided it would be best to buy a rebuilt steering box, for my case.