The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Driveline Pitman arm leaking - help needed on seal replacement

After cleaning and examination, the pitman arm is leaking and I have to assume the seals have gone bad. My problem is that I don't know if the steering box is original or from a 78 blazer that was just to build my truck in the '80s. Based on my other post it appears the box is original. I've researched how to replace the seal but can't find anything for a truck this old. Does anyone know how many seals are currently in the steering box that need to be removed? I know I need to take the bolt and washer off. Then get a pitman puller to get the arm off. But my big concern is how many seals are in the arm and how to get them out. Also, do you remove the steering linkage from the arm or leave it on?

Any help and advice on this is appreciated. I checked the manual but couldn't find anything dealing with the gaskets.

First off the pitman arm doesn't leak. The sector shaft leaks & runs down on the pitman arm. There are 2 seals & a spacer & snap ring for that shaft. It all comes in a kit. After pulling the pitman arm like you described, the best way is to put the steering on center & pull the sector shaft out by removeing the 4 bolts on top. I think some guys dig the seals out with the shaft in but its easier & cleaner to pull it. This can usually be done with steering box in the truck but sometimes you need to pull it depending how assessable it is.

Hy GMTK, I will gladly try and help you if you will tell us what year and size of truck you're asking about???

Sorry. It's a 1955 series 2. However, it has a Chevy 350 in it. After reading the manual again, I'm not sure if I can even pull the steering column and box out without taking the headers off. The steering box is mounted to the inside of the frame but I can't see any way of getting the column off easily. I'm afraid this is beyond my expertise and am also worried it may be too expensive to have someone do it for me. But it's evident that it's leaking oil badly.

the whole column comes out from the bottom once the steering wheel id off and dash clamp removed, column doesn't separate from the box - if you can't move the box inwards enough for the side shaft to clear the frame, then yes the header will need to come off

but if it has actual oil [incorrect lube] in it you might take care of the leaking by using John Deere Corn Head grease, which hangs on better

Bill

This was all explained to you 3 days ago in your other post. (3 pages) Why are you starting another post? This is not Kosher.

The other post didn't directly address taking the column off and I was hoping to garner advice/thoughts on the issue with a new post and title.

I've already purchased 00 grease from tractor supply (per the other post) and am going to drain the steering box and put the new 00 in. Hoping that solves the problem.

The problem is that the responders don't get to see the right or wrong answers already given by others who took the time to help you. Some would want to know the history of your problem and some would not want to repeat what has already been said. This results in wasted effort by persons willing to help. If you had further questions you should keep going. The other post DID HAVE INFO on removing the column. If you have to take the headers off then you have to take the headers off. That is not hard to do. Taking the box apart on the bench as suggested on the other post, using the manual as a guide, is what DIY is all about. Tinkering, saving money, learning, fixing, building your "expertise".

bartamos, you are right but

Suggestion: just give link(s) to the pertinent post(s) in the other thread; and, if you must, add an

TC: Maybe you posting while he and I were also, not sure BUT, just wanted to explain my idea of forum process and DIY. Why link him to his own post?

My apologies to all. Rookie mistake. Won't happen again.

I would suggest that installing a new seal in an old worn steering box may be a waste of time.

I went thru this on my 55 2nd also. When I got the truck the steering box was dry. I filled it with gear lube. The gear lube ran out thru the seal in no time. Then I tried STP. The steering got real stiff and the STP ran out the seal all over my driveway. What a mess! Then I tried JD Cornhead grease. Steering is much better, the cornhead grease still works its way out the seal, but very slowly. Takes months to empty the box. Best to fix the seal, but for now, I can live with the slow leak.

Hy GMTK, just in case you would still like the seal p/n, Napa has it as their p/n NOS11055 $10.49, the dimensions are O.D.1.4420" Shaft 1.125" width .2030", hope that helps.

Thanks capnduane and 3b. I picked up some 00 grease from tractor supply and put that in (after sucking up as much of whatever was in there). Hoping that solves the problem. If that doesn't solve the leak then I will have to think hard about pulling the steering column. Just apprehensive about that big a project.

Many seals that go bad, do so because of loose/bad bearings, but not all. Give the cornhead a try. Nothing to lose. If it still leaks, you will have to get down and dirty, while smiling the whole time of course.