1966 Charger steering box leak

[iowaguy]

Put this here instead of the Charger forum as I think it would apply to most B Bodies from this era.

Old car acquaintance bought a non-running '66 Charger (383/Auto, PS,PB) and trailered it home. Upon getting it running it stated to leak power steering fluid from the gear box big time. It is leaking from the under the domed cap on top of the steering box with a nut/bolt through it.

He knew I used to own several 1966-67 Chargers and asked if I knew how to fix it. I told him I never had this problem but brought over my 1969 Plymouth Service manual that I have figuring it would be close. The exploded diagram of the steering shows an o-ring under the domed cap. Can he just unscrew the nut/bolt and take the cap off to replace the o-ring? Or will this mess up some adjustment in the steering? Or is there a certain procedure to replace this ring?

 

[493 Mike]

Yes. It must be done following the Service manual instructions. First, he could try one of the leak repair fluids. I have had luck with one on my 65 Coronet.
Mike

 

[Don Frelier]

If it's leaking quite a bit I don't think a stop leak type product will cure it.
I would consult with Steer and Gear I've always got good service from them.

 

[iowaguy]

It is beyond a stop leak fix.

He was hoping for an easy way to replace that o-ring under the domed cap as the car needs to be moved to storage before winter.

Long story short, he didn't get his detached garage/workshop finished because of lumber prices and shortages. He will have a place to "fix it right" next year, but not at the moment.

 

[HardCharge]

On my 67'. I just took it off and replaced the O rings with some I had in a generic kit laying around. I probably picked it up at harbor freight or some other cheapo store. The only hiccup was the piston that goes up and down when you turn the wheel. If it's done correctly the steering wheel will be normal. If done incorrectly. The steering wheel will go full lock upon start up. You'll figure it out once you take it apart. It's not hard. Just troublesome to get lined up. I think, I took the return line housing off and used an allen wrench to push the piston up while putting the top housing back on. But I've slept since then.