Steering Box Major Leak---Solutions? (1 Viewer)

[TOY350]

My steering box dumped out just about all the fluid I had in the system when I was running hot the other day. I am looking at replacing it but the expense looks to be really high for a rebuilt one $500 +. I am running a GM pump, Hysteer, Spring Over and 35's.

I don't want to try and rebuild it myself, I want it to work! I am also considering a hydraulic setup.

Can you guys help me with some options and estimates on costs?

 

[hj60]

Izzit still the OEM box?
A rebuild ain't that tough.
Where'd it leak from? Could just be a single seal, like the wife's 80.
If it's a GM box, remans are cheap.

 

[TOY350]

It's an OEM box and the whole box was wet, my best guess it was leaking from the top somehow. It had been leaking off and on for awhile, I used some Lucas stop leak and it cured for a time. I noticed considerable play in the wheel a few weeks ago just all of a sudden, so I tightened up the box with the adjusting nut up top. I cranked it a little over a full turn and made sure I didn't feel in binding while turning both ways. It felt good and left just a little play in the wheel.

I don't know if it leaked because the engine bay got so hot and the fluid was more viscous or if I damaged the box by tightening it up. This is the second time I had tightened up the steering in the last 2 years.

I have the good Toyota manual that shows the rebuilding steps but the little cartoon showing a frustrated mechanic when feeding in the ball bearings in has got me a little worried about doing it myself.

 

[dd113]

Send it to West Texas Off Road. Around $150 to rebuild + shipping. Good guys

 

[TOY350]

Thanks David. I was going to call you Tuesday and get your input, but I will call West Texas Off Road and see if I can get this done.

 

[2mbb]

Mine was leaking out the top after I had rebuilt it. It turned out that the adjusting nut on the top was loose. I think the jam nut has an o-ring seal. I tightened it up and it's been fine every since.

 

[Kief]

What ever you do don't try to put on a used PS box from an '83 on there. Wrong bolt pattern.

Do the rebuild yourself so I can look you up when mine goes.

Sorry I couldn't have helped.