Power Steering Box Seal Leak

[EngineerDoug]

Hello all,

I have a Firm Feel power steering box installed in my '68 B-body. This box is about 4 years old, but was just installed and put into service some months ago. I have put 250 miles on the car and now notice the input shaft seal is leaking. It was a bit hard to isolate, but the fluid is dripping down to where the pitman arm attaches and then leaving a small puddle on the garage floor.

It's a mystery to me why it just started leaking recently, but I am interested in replacing the seal. I've seen a post or two that suggest it is relatively easy to replace the seal with the box (and engine) installed in the car. Does anybody have experience doing this?

Thanks.

 

[toolmanmike]

I would contact Firm Feel and see what they recommend. It has been 4 years but they may help.

 

[1 Wild R/T]

Pull the steering column, work through the hole.... Use a sharp punch to put a hole the the seal, then screw a sheet metal screw into it... A pair of wire cutters will pull the seal pretty easily.... A piece of 1/2" PVC pipe works to drive the new seal in....

BTW be careful, you don't want to nick the shaft or the bore.... The hole needs to be centered on the seal pretty well...

 

[Don Frelier]

It could be that there is a flaw or problem on the shaft that scored/damaged the seal.
If so it's possible it might happen again if you just install a new one.
So calling firm feel first would be wise.

 

[Fran Blacker]

Like what Don said. There might be ding or a sharp that cut the seal. If you end up doing it your self I'd run a file on the splines to check/knockdown high spots. You don't have to go crazy with the file. If it isn't a pita I'd remove the box.

 

[EngineerDoug]

Got it; thanks.

 

[Auggie56]

Could that shaft be rusted where it contacts the seal lip?