Steering Box on '93

[JoeMerc]

I've had some seepage out of my steering box for a few months now. It hasn't been anything major, just something to keep an eye on and make sure the fluid is topped off. The leak is getting worse and I want to get at it before it becomes a real problem. I called a trustworthy mechanic and he quoted me at around $900 for the (rebuilt) part. He said the job would top out at around $1800 to $2000 after labor, alignment, etc. Am I getting hosed here? I don't think a used steering box is worth it because I'll just end up back where I started again. I bought the truck with 81K a little over a year ago, now has 95K, this is the first major service that I've encountered. Bottom line, is it even worth it or should I dump it seeing as the truck is only worth 8 grand anyway?


P.S. I'm still saving up for the bearing repacks.

 

[cruiserman]

I would get a used box. They're not known for leaking. Are you sure it's the box?

 

[JoeMerc]

Yeah it's the box. All of the lines are dry as a bone. I'll upload some pictures when I get a chance, the 'Attach Files' feature isn't currently working. The box is definitely the source of my misfortune. This doesn't seem to be a common problem, what could the previous owner have done to ruin the steering box? It was bought from an old lady with handicap plates and Jesus fish on it, and as far as I can tell it wasn't wheeled at all. The only thing that I can think of is if she didn't use ATF fluid, but all of the service records were from the stealership. Any thoughts?

 

[cruiserdan]

If it is just leaking but otherwise functioning, you can get a seal kit.


04445-60050, list $122.37

 

[JoeMerc]

sign me up

 

[semlin]

it might have been damaged in an accident that hit the undercarriage real good. some time ago there was a discussion about inspecting the sector shaft to see if the splines lined up.

 

[hefty_merv]

Joe, let me know how you go with the box seal....

Mine has been doing the same thing...

 

[JoeMerc]

got some pics

 

[reffug]

I called a trustworthy mechanic and he quoted me at around $900 for the (rebuilt) part. He said the job would top out at around $1800 to $2000 after labor, alignment, etc. Am I getting hosed here?

HOSED!

 

[cruiserdan]

I suggest that you go the car wash and blast the hell out of that area to clean it up. I would then monitor it carefully to acertain the origin of the leak, before tossing a bunch of cash at it.



But, I'm just a parts geek so consider the source.....



Oh,


Yer tow hook is on backwards................

 

[JoeMerc]

100 points for cruiserdan. When I was attaching it I said to myself "I wonder how long it's going to take these guys to tell me that my tow hook is on backwards." An hour and a half is pretty good. I'm going to clean it up tomorrow, I may not toss any money at it currently. It still works, and the truck is in far from pristine condition. I figure if there's anything that I can push my luck with, it's a LC.

 

[gregc]

Similar situation on my 94...I did the r'n'r of the steering box myself, talked a nearby dealer tech into doing the seal kit for me. Prolly should have done it myself.

It's my understanding that the control valve (input shaft and hydraulic ports) is not serviceable, so if you leak is in that part of the box you may be SOL (like me). My leak is improved but still there.

The R&R itself isn't that bad...toughest part was disconnecting the gear from the column shaft. And finding a really BIG breaker bar for the mounting bolts.

I've seen rebuilt gears from Meridian for $600 + $200 core...don't know about their quality or service, tho.

I've also seen another trick suggested...try adding a 'glug' of brake fluid to the reservoir...makes the rubber seals swell, sometimes helps leaks.

I will probably try a little bit of brake fluid, and just let it be.

My rig's PO evidently didn't believe in PM, so I've been spending waaay too much time under the truck

G

 

[hefty_merv]

Mine isn't that bad....

Only a small damp spot... (Something that you wouldn't bat an eyelid at letting the missus sleep in it)

 

[semlin]

it looks to me like your power steering hose is leaking from the top of the hose just like mine did. If it is not a trick of the light/camera, try releasing the clamp and repositioning the hose a little then tightening again. I agree with Dan about blasting that area out and seeing where it is coming from.