68 Newport, is the power steering box rebuildable or need to be replaced?

[Biggredd2069]

Have a 68 Newport. Just had the power steering pump rebuilt and new lines done, then conveniently the power steering box has now started to leak. Is that rebuildable or do I just need to buy a new one?

 

[Big_John]

It is rebuildable, I just replaced mine with one from Firm Feel.

But! Chances are it's the shaft seal and that can be removed and replaced in the car. Save you about $400.

 

[Biggredd2069]

Not sure I wanna tackle this job, assume it's a straight forward job most shops can handle?

 

[Big_John]

Not sure I wanna tackle this job, assume it's a straight forward job most shops can handle?

Given that most shops seem to be incapable of doing a lot of jobs correctly, I'd say that a good shop can handle it.

 

[bigmoparjeff]

It's unlikely that you will find a shop that is willing to repair the box.

95% will want to just replace it with a reman box.

If your sector shaft seal is leaking, that's a problem because it requires special Chrysler tools to replace the seal without taking the box apart.

The input shaft seal isn't too bad a job on a Chrysler box, so you may find someone willing to replace it.

It's not unusual for the seals on the control valve to leak. That's a simple job that can easily be done in the car with a cheap seal kit from Edelman or Gates. Rock Auto stocks them.

Don't let anyone install a Cardone or other cheap rebuilt box in your car. They are generally garbage.

You may end up finding that your best option is to order a good quality reman box from Firm Feel, Steer and Gear, or Red Head. Then have a decent shop install it.

Most or all of the good box rebuilders may still be way behind right now, and it's likely that it could take months to get one.


Jeff

 

[Big_John]

It's unlikely that you will find a shop that is willing to repair the box.

95% will want to just replace it with a reman box.

If your sector shaft seal is leaking, that's a problem because it requires special Chrysler tools to replace the seal without taking the box apart.

The input shaft seal isn't too bad a job on a Chrysler box, so you may find someone willing to replace it.

It's not unusual for the seals on the control valve to leak. That's a simple job that can easily be done in the car with a cheap seal kit from Edelman or Gates. Rock Auto stocks them.

Don't let anyone install a Cardone or other cheap rebuilt box in your car. They are generally garbage.

You may end up finding that your best option is to order a good quality reman box from Firm Feel, Steer and Gear, or Red Head. Then have a decent shop install it.

Most or all of the good box rebuilders may still be way behind right now, and it's likely that it could take months to get one.


Jeff

Jeff is making really good points and I forget that guys don't have a good shop/mechanic that can or will do this work.

 

[Lee Robinson]

Jeff is making really good points and I forget that guys don't have a good shop/mechanic that can or will do this work.

Lares Corporation will probably rebuild your existing box. Had a power steering control valve on a brand F rebuilt by them. Life time warranty.
800 334-5749

 

[bigmoparjeff]

Lares Corporation will probably rebuild your existing box. Had a power steering control valve on a brand F rebuilt by them. Life time warranty.
800 334-5749

The one problem with that plan is that the shop doing the work probably doesn't want to tie up a lift for the time it takes for the box to come back. With the bigger companies, you can have your new box delivered and send the core back later. They usually give you 30 days. Would have to check with Lares to see if they have cores in stock.

Jeff

 

[Lee Robinson]

The one problem with that plan is that the shop doing the work probably doesn't want to tie up a lift for the time it takes for the box to come back. With the bigger companies, you can have your new box delivered and send the core back later. They usually give you 30 days. Would have to check with Lares to see if they have cores in stock.

Jeff

They most likely do and they would require a refundable deposit until they got your old core.

 

[Gerald Morris]

I got lucky with a BBB reman 3 yrs ago, and haven't lost a drop of PS fluid since. Lares is the accepted outfit for well warranted stuff though, if you don't want to shoot craps.

 

[Bryan Winter]

Has anyone tried the kit from Borgeson to replace the whole box with a modern one?

 

[Gerald Morris]

No, but it looks easy enough to install, allowing for their required mods. I'd sooner have Lares rebuild an old one for the $$ though.

 

[Bryan Winter]

Thanks