Power steering gearbox puking

[pmschmitt]

My 300s power steering works well but squeaks and is a bit sluggish occasionally when first warming up. I check the levels on fluid routinely and noticed it was low last week. I filled it to the fill when cool line and thought nothing of it.

Today I started her up and there was a steady drip on the drivers side on the concrete. Further investigation found it to power steering fluid coming from where the steering shaft attaches to the gear box (see pic). I looked at the FSM to see if this is a replace entire gearbox job ( seems to be) or a break it down and replace the seals job. (There are a sh$t load of small parts in there according to the FSM). Any idea on cost of a new power steering gear box from those who have done it and any particular problems to try to avoid? As always thanks in advance.

 

[1970FuryConv]

For a junky rebuild from Cardone , it's probably around $125-150. From someone who knows what he's doing and puts quality in before his name goes on, expect more like $300.

 

[68Bigred]

Although mine doesn't leak it acts stiff when I first start it up. I'm thinking the box with an updated worm gear from firmfeel. Others have said less turns lock to lock and more responsive steering.

 

[saforwardlook]

If you can get a Miller Special Tool C-3638, you can remove the worm shaft seal yourself with the steering gear in the car and also install the seal with a proper sized socket that fits the seal itself. It is about a half hour job with the gear in the car. The seal is available from NAPA. You would have to pull the steering column back from the gear, which means a little time under the dash, but not that bad. If the lower pitman arm seal starts to leak, that requires another special tool that might be really hard to get, and the effort is higher - it will take about an hour under the car, but is doable too and that seal kit is also available from NAPA.

But if you decide the gear is old enough that it needs replacing anyway, then you might as well spring for a rebuilt one - but I would go to Steer & Gear, not Firm Feel based on my experiences. Hands down.

 

[moper]

It can also be done without the tool... You just need to be a little creative.

 

[saforwardlook]

It can also be done without the tool... You just need to be a little creative.

No doubt, but the seal is so small and the limited area to be creative in is a challenge. Normally, yes, a little creativity will get a seal out, but this one is tougher than most. I tried and ended up buying the tool. But you may well be more creative than me.

 

[pmschmitt]

Where did you find that tool to Oder it thanks.