Stupid power steering leaking. Figured it was the pump, being like 200k miles and 27 years old. Get under there, see the return line is kind of gross and nasty, swap it out, no leaks any where near the pressure line or return line or the pump. Yeah, you guessed it - steering box. DAMNIT Any tips for replacing one on a 1988 Country Squire? Did some searches, nothing really popped. Doesn't seem TOO horribly difficult, just going to take some time.
It will, and the b*stard is heavy. Undo everything from it, then loosen, but do not remove, all three bolts. Hold the box while someone carefully removes the bolts, and then 'bench press' it into their hands, making sure nothing turns on it or you'll have an automotive 'bukkake' moment.....
If it is leaking from the output shaft, that seal can be replaced in the car by removing the pitman arm.
Vista's correct about that, but IMHO, professional-wise, it would be better to replace the gearbox just because of age and wear, and flush the heck out of the system.
No Sir, not at all. I've been a victim myself of 'cheap fix Charlies'; it's the reason I became a mechanic myself. Knowing that power steering systems on most cars do not have filters, that means all the crapola is circulated around.
It was leaking out of the top, where the adjustment bolt is, around that whole top piece. Not like "hey that might be a leak" but a "Holy sh*t it's the river Styx flowing out of my gearbox." Spent 1/2 a day saturday, and most the morning messing with this damn thing. Got it all settled. Managed to not get power steering fluid all up in my eyes. Biggest challenge was getting that damn Pittman arm back on the box without an impact wrench. My son is in an automotive program in Maryland (we're in Georgia) and the sap-sucker has taken most my good tools with him. I try to be mad at him, but I can't bring myself to. Flushed the whole thing, pretty damn good if I must say. Put all new lines on it since I was there. Should I have tried to add a filter while I was at it? Only issue is where I spilled some fluid and it's burning off because I'm a clutz.
Skink, that sounds like a typical adventure in my garage, too. But isn't it a GREAT feeling when it's fixed? I just love old cars!
If burning off the spilled fluid is all that happened, you did a damned good job. Now hop on over to a shop and have them torque the nut for you. Then you'll be done.
I usaully cut myself opening the tool box. Then it's all down hill from then on! That and a hole in the radiator, cross threaded oil pan drain, leaky grease seals, drippy water pump, broken bolt on thermostat housing, bad fittings on transmission lines, heater core broke, heater hoses rotted and leaking at clamps, bad intake, exhaust, and pan gaskets made in China last week, and defective muffler bearings!
I had this go on an '88 Country Squire. I had the work done for $500,as I didn't want to mess with it. I had to use the car for work at the time (2007),and I was running around pouring fluid in that leaked right out again,and of course when it ran dry the car could barely be steered.
