Steering Gear Box Leak/Noise ?

[BC-Luc]

After an accident my steering gear box was changed. It started leaking bad. A second overhauled unit was installed and it started making noise and leaking fluid. Found the top bolt with a set screw to be the source of the leak.

I torqued on the bolt to stop the leak, but when I'm crawling up and over rocks or the front suspention is flexing through cross ditches the gear box (or something else) makes noise.

What's happening ? What's wrong ?

 

[2ndGenToyotaFan]

That screw/bolt and nut on the top of the box is to adjust the free play in the box... If you tightened it up too much you could have some binding in the box.... But if it's only when your flexed then it may just be noisy bushings.... You still have the IFS up front right?

 

[BC-Luc]

Thanks 2ndGenToyFan,

Yah, it's still IFS. Which bushings ? Suspension or inside the steering gearbox ?

The noise started before I found the leak and tighned that set screw. I'll loosen it 1\2 a turn at the time and see what happens.

An other guy told me that I may have the wrong steering fluid, and that the fluid often gets hot when 4x4'ing and I may need to install a small tranny cooler. Have to check into all that later today.

 

[brownbear]

Luc, post some pics of the leak. If you have a problem posting email the pics to me. I'll post them up.

I have a hard time believing the heat thing... What did ICBC say? Are you getting a replacement box?

 

[BC-Luc]

Hey Darryl,

Not sure what will happen with ICBC yet, no matter, it'll be a warranty repair. I'm going back to the shop, just have to get a little time. Busy next week.

Started my rear bumper/carrier today ! Really really looking forward to that being done !

 

[brownbear]

remember to post up your building of the rear bumper. Let's see some of Adrian's fab skills.

 

[2ndGenToyotaFan]

I was thinking of the suspension bushings.. being that it only does it when you're stretching it's legs so to speak.....