Power Steering Leak
 

It looks like power steering fluid is leaking from my 1999 Econoline. It
might be where the shaft from the steering wheel enters the steering gear
box.

I found a quote from the CD version of the shop manual that says, "The
steering gear input shaft and seals cannot be repaired or replaced
separately. Gear replacement may be necessary."

Advance Auto Parts (Parts America) sells a "Power Steering Repair Kit:
Steering Gear Input Shaft Seal Kit" for $10.89.


(1) Anybody know if the seal on the input shaft can be replaced?

(2) Is this the part I need to replace (assuming the leak is around this
shaft)?

(3) Do I have to remove the steering gear box to do it?

(4) Any special tools?

(5) Would any alignment be effected that would have to be adjusted later?

(6) Any other potential problems?

(7) Let's see, what else can I ask?.... Oh, anybody want to drop by and do
it for me? Just kidding.

Thanks In Advance

PeteC

RE: Power Steering Leak
 

If you should try to do this.You would have to remove the steering shaft by dropping the steering collumand seprating the shaft. As for the seal you will need a seal removal tool. As for the seal coat the inside with oil and tap it gently around the outside of the metal on the seal untill seated.

RE: Power Steering Leak
 

Thanks 94 4x4 ranger.

I have been thinking about this seal. Maybe it is easier and I have a higher chance of success if I replace the whole gear box. Advance Auto has it in stock for $194.88 with a lifetime guarantee.

Over night, something else came to me. I have had a shimmy problem under heavy braking conditions. Usually on a downhill when really braking hard the steering wheel, sometimes, breaks into oscillations. Usually releasing then stomping the brake pedal will stop the oscillation. Since I seldom can generate this condition, it is hard to track down. I have had it happen, maybe 8-10 times over the last two years. (I live in a relatively flat area, the problem occurs most when traveling through West Virginia.)


I thought it was the brake rotors even though they were pretty new. I took some measurements. The wobble was within 0.002' while the spec. is 0.003". Still I bought a new rotor and tried it on one side. Some months later it oscillated again. I swapped sides. I haven't had it happen again but I don't consider it a good test yet because I haven't hit the braking condition yet.

I'm starting to think that this oscillation aggravated the seal to leak. So, if it isn't the brake rotors, what could be loose that could cause this? And more importantly, what should I change while I'm there changing the steering gear box?

Any ideas?

Thanks,

Pete

RE: Power Steering Leak
 

It might be better to change the whole box cause if one seal goes the other might go soon. I would check the whole front end part's for play. Loose worn parts may be causing the problem.Check the tie rods,drag link.ect for play

RE: Power Steering Leak
 

I sort of tried looking for play. I have a hard time deciding what is "too much". There seems to be some play everywhere. I guess I'll just pick the ball joint that has the most play and replace it. What else can I do?

Thanks again,

Pete

RE: Power Steering Leak
 

Hey, I was just thrashing around the Advance Auto web site and found:

Moog Chassis Prod. Steering Part
Steering Damper: Front Steering; 2 Wheel Drive (4x2); Super Trail Boss; 1 Required
Warranty: 1 Year Limited Warranty

for $147.99. No picture.

What could it be? I used to have a Volkswagon that had a steering damper. Just a little shock absorber.

RE: Power Steering Leak
 

I dont know exactly where the problem is.Just see if any front end part's a worn this may be the problem.

RE: Power Steering Leak
 

On your decision to replace only the worse ball joint of the two, I'd do them both if there is any play in them. Just did my 95 Conversion and it is smooth as silk now. Of course the new Michelins help too!

My 1993 E 350 gear box has a very small leak from the bottom , above the pitman arm . I did a search and there are a few UTUBE vids showing how easy it is , most heat the pitman arm up and use a pitman puller , then pull the snap ring and use 2 long screws on each side of the seal to yank them out or start the motor the turn the whell side to side to pressure push the seal out . the seal is about $10 from JC Whitteny or a local auto parts store . It can be done with out removing the whole gear box off the truck , or some do pull it off and pull the sector shaft out which makes it easyer but more time over all .