Is there a seal or something that has gone bad if the steering box is leaking at the bottom where the pitman arm comes out? It has been draining the power steering pump resouviour dry the last month and leaking worse? can anyone give me a detailed description on how to change this out and what tools i'll need? Thanks Guys...Greg

 

See this link:
http://www.pavementsucks.com/tech/steeringbox.php

Hope it helps, according to the instructions, the lower seal can be replaced without removing the gear box. Have not done it myself, but when I ran accross it, I saved the article. Other good technical stuff in there as well, Kevin

 

Yeah, Im having the same problem. The PS.com directions look like the best way for a simple fix.

 

KD460: thanks for the link, but that merely shows how to rebuild the steering box...i just need to change out the lower seal? is it possible to pull the pitman arm and replace it without taking the box OFF the truck>

 

"Note: Box does not have to be removed from truck to replace lower seals, although it is much easier off the truck. By removing the box one does not have to deal with the fan shroud, can fully drain the box, and can replace the needle bearing along the sector shaft."

That statement leads me to believe you can replace the lower seal without removing the box. The pitman arm will need to be pulled and if I remember correctly, I think I read on another website that the seal can be pulled using a couple of screws screwed into the metal part of the seal and then pulled out. Clean and lube the shaft, and install the new seal.

"If you have a stock Saginaw box with no aftermarket rebuild proceed to pull the first seal out of the bottom of the box with a pair of needle nose pliers. If you have an AGR box you will see a large solid brass seal. These are very hard to get out but not impossible. This rebuild was on an AGR and it took about 30 minutes to chisel the brass seal out. This seal is prone to cracking and is probably worse than the Chrysler seal. Below the first seal you will see a lock ring that you can pull out with a pick. If you have an AGR there will not be a lock ring but there will be a spring compression ring. This can be cut out with dikes or just plain beat to hell until it releases. Below the lock ring or compression ring you will see a large metal washer and the sector shaft seal. Leave the seal in place and remove it with the bearing. Now drive the bearing out."

I would suggest you pull the pitman and take a good look. If it looks like a conventional seal in there then give it a shot. Get ready for an oil shower. A VERY SMALL amount of heat around the seal may help you pull the seal as well. I have not done this on a Dodge before so I can't promise you anything. Do this at your own risk.

I think pulling the box would not be that big of a deal, so if worst comes to worst... Good luck, Kevin