Power steering gearbox - blowing fluid

[Allen]

I was so excited about having an NOS power steering gearbox in my stash of parts and had it installed during the restoration of my Nova. It had a good tight feel and looked great. This morning, while out for a drive, it started blowing fluid out the bottom of it around where the pitman arm attaches. I don't know if it had a dried up seal or what happened.

Is this fatal to a gearbox, or something that can be repaired? Will I have to pull it to have it done?

Thanks for any suggestions. I'm a bit bummed out about it right now.

[Mr70]

Is it actually blowing/forcing fluid out,or just releasing fluid?
There's a bypass bleedoff valve that when clogged,will cause the same symptom you described.

[Allen]

It looks to be leaking right out of the bottom, where the pitman arm fits on that splined shaft.

[jasonL78]

Go to the auto parts store and buy a 10 dollar seal kit and replace it. I just had to do mine this spring. You have to pull the pitman arm and remove the snap ring. Then start the car up and lock the wheel to the left or right, you will need someone to due this for you. Have a rag over the spline to catch the seal's. Pay attention to the way they come out. It took me about 1 hour to change mine.

Jason

[Allen]

Thanks for the information.

Other than the pitman arm puller, are there any special tools required for snap rings or seal installation / removal?

[jasonL78]

You might need an 1 1/8 socket to remove the nut that holds the pitman arm on. I know it was over 1" not real sure on the size. Then just the puller and snap ring pliers. When you take the pitman arm off you will see the snap ring. Take this off and follow the directions that comes with the seal kit. I have never done this before and I didn't think it was that hard.

Jason

[Allen]

I did some web-surfing this evening... is this what you did to yours?

http://jimshea.corvettefaq.com/wp-content/uploads/2006/01/RBGDisassembly&RepairPics1.doc

[Allen]

This link looks like it has more detail.

http://jimshea.corvettefaq.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/09/rbgpitmansealsreplacerev10se2007.doc

[jasonL78]

That is just what I did. It really wasn't that hard. Just follow those steps and you should be fine!

Jason

[Allen]

Jason,
Thanks for the help and suggestions.


The repair wasn't that tough.... $13 in parts and darn near $100 for the tools (pitman arm puller, snap ring pliers, a huge socket, seal installer).

I got it done, took it for a drive yesterday, and it blew out the seals again. It appears that the snap ring doesn't want to stay secured in the housing. What could cause that?

[jasonL78]

Not real sure! Are you sure you had the snap ring seated in the groove all the way! When I install snap rings sometimes I give them a tap with a punch so I know it is in the groove all the way. I wish I could help and had an answer for you. The one I rebuilt was my first also.

Jason