Steering gear box

mshaw · #1 03-01-2005, 03:18 PM

I have a 1989 full sized 351 bronco. I had noticed a leak somewhere in the power steering system that I couldn't seem to track. To resolve, I ended up replacing both the pump reservoir and the pressure hose (It appeared that one of both of those were leaking). However, after replacing these components fluid continued to leak. Also, the new pump makes noise. It isn't that loud but I can hear it. It is almost like something is taxing it constantly. Comments?

In any case, now It appears the leakage is coming from the steering gear box. How do I know if a simple servicing to replace the seals is necessary -or- if the gear box is shot?

Austin8214 · #2 03-01-2005, 03:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mshaw

It is almost like something is taxing it constantly. Comments?

In any case, now It appears the leakage is coming from the steering gear box. How do I know if a simple servicing to replace the seals is necessary -or- if the gear box is shot?

If it sounds like something is taxing the pump it may be sucking air. As far as the gear box it may be best to call your local dealership and or Auto Zone to see if they even offer rebuild kits for it. If they do then see what to price differance is between a rebuld kit and a new one is and go from there.

mshaw · #3 03-07-2005, 05:12 PM

It looks like the steering gear box is leaking just where the steering shaft enters the box. I need to replace the gear box. How difficult is it to pull the pitman arm off then drop the gear box out? Are there any gotchas?

Austin8214 · #4 03-07-2005, 05:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mshaw

How difficult is it to pull the pitman arm off then drop the gear box out? Are there any gotchas?

I think you need a special puller to get the pitman arm off. But i am not 100% sure. I would call a dealer or good shop in your area and ask a technition there.

mshaw · #5 03-10-2005, 05:23 PM

I ended up replacing the entire steering gear box. Problem fixed!

For anyone interested the pitman arm can be problematic. Hook up the puller, crank it as much as you can until you are sure it will go no further. After that, get yourself a mallet and strike the arm on the outside as near to where it threads onto the gear box as you can. Hit it hard, but not hard enough to damage anything. This action will loosen it enough to get a few more turns on the puller. Eventually the arm will detach and fall away.

Thanks, Mike

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