The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk 1969 Power Steering Box Input Shaft Seal

I'm getting ready to convert a 66 Chevy over to power steering and bought a 69 chevy box and pump. The box was leaking a little at the input shaft, so being the curious type I found the seals at NAPA and took the adjusting piece out to get to the seals.

I didn't realize I could have got them out without taking this piece out, and have since found that there is an adjusting procedure . I understand some parts of it, but REALLY don't understand how a torque wrench goes on the end of the splined shaft.

Hate to sound stupid, but I need to know. :confused:

What they are after is alittle pre-load on the bearings when assembling the unit. Find what ever you can that fits the splines. Any old 12 point sockets laying around?
You might be able to set up a pull type scale ( fish scale ) and some vise-grips, attach the vise-grips to the shaft and pull the fish scale which is hooked to the end of the vise-grips reading the scale as you pull, if they are 12" long your scale would be pretty accurate. Don't forget, the on center preload will be tighter then the ends. On center is tight to keep it from wondering around when going straight. It should say somewhere to be off center when adjusting, then cross center to check to be sure its not to tight. Joe

Joe,
I do have a socket I could use. I was worried about damaging the splines, but for only 1-3 lbs of torque that probably wouldn't happen. I'll give it a try.

Thanks!