How hard is a power steering gearbox rebuild? 73 dart

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Lasalle

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The power steering gearbox on my 73 Dart leaks bad and I have to do something. It leaks where the steering column goes in and the pitman shaft comes out. A mechanic told me the bearings inside are worn and that allows the shafts to move sideways and ruin the seals.

Is replacing the bearings and seals something I can do or does the unit need to be sent away for a rebuild? I'm looking for options. I would prefer to repair the original or have it done. Does it require special tools? Where can I get the parts? Where can I send it out to be rebuilt?

Thanks, Tom
 
sure you can send it out but leaks are usually O-rings and bearings are just bearings. I dont think anything in there is press fit, Maybe the bearing races.....>>>?<<<


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pishta said:
sure you can send it out but leaks are usually O-rings and bearings are just bearings. I dont think anything in there is press fit.>>>?<<<


View attachment 1715882719
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I've rebuilt quite a few, I've never seen a bearing like the one shown in the picture above... The bushing was only used in very early boxes... Certainly not in a 69 B body....

There are enough potential trouble spots unless your pretty skilled I'd either send it to firm feel (Best Option)

Or If your car drives okay & is just leaking I would try putting seals in after fifty years they are rock hard & will leak whether the bearings are good or not...

Both seals can be done with the box in the car... Sector shaft can be done by pulling the steering column out & working through the hole in the firewall.... Use a sharp punch to put a hole through the metal seal housing & thread in a drywall screw then use pliers to pop the seal out... Tap a new seal in using a properly sized socket & extension as a driver...

Hardest part of replacing the Pitman shaft seal is getting the pitman arm off....
Once thats done use a seal hook to pop the outer dust seal out, remove the snap ring then put a drain pan under the steering box, start the car & crank the steering to full lock.. The seal will pop right out... Again, use an appropriately sized socket as a driver, reassemble & refill the system...
 
That's a GREAT video. Sure wish I would have found that before sending my unit to Steer and Gear (and paying $330!!).

Before sending it to Steer and Gear I replaced the pinion shaft seal with the gear box in the car. Also replaced the input shaft seal while it was installed. Had to go through the hole in the firewall with a drill to put a small hole in the seal in order use a screw to draw out the seal. The pinion shaft seal started leaking AGAIN! So, I bit the bullet and sent it out.

Steer and Gear is a very good company with outstanding customer service. I had them give my Gear box the "sport" feel which is much tighter than factory.

Had I seen that video, I'm sure I would have tried it myself.
 
I pulled mine out; Even with the TTIs in there it was not a big deal. I did that to add reaction springs for better steering feel, and changed the seals as a matter of course. I did that, three times in one week, to get the box to behave like I wanted it to. After the pitman is off, it's just a roll-pin and three bolts.

EDIT; TTI Headers
 
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AJ/FormS said:
I pulled mine out; Even with the TTIs in there it was not a big deal. I did that to add reaction springs for better steering feel, and changed the seals as a matter of course. I did that, three times in one week, to get the box to behave like I wanted it to. After the pitman is off, it's just a roll-pin and three bolts.

EDIT; TTI Headers
Click to expand...

I know this is an old post, but could you tell me what reaction springs are/do? Which ones did you end up using?
 
I bought a kit at the dealer with several pieces.
Try this link

www.forbbodiesonly.com

Power Steering Reaction Pressure Springs?

for 63 Sport Fury: I understand that Firm Feel and Steer and Gear achieve tighter feel by using stronger than stock springs. Are there any other parts that are needed to convert to a firmer feel? Firm Feel won't sell me the upgraded springs, and I read an old thread here that indicated that...
www.forbbodiesonly.com www.forbbodiesonly.com

These springs delay boost and reduce the amount of boost, so you can tailor the feel of the box to your liking. No more one-finger steering tho.
I added springs until I had almost no assist, then backed up a bit. No, I don't remember how many of what thickness I added; that was well over 20 years ago.

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AJ/FormS said:
I bought a kit at the dealer with several pieces.
Try this link

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These springs delay boost and reduce the amount of boost, so you can tailor the feel of the box to your liking. No more one-finger steering tho.
I added springs until I had almost no assist, then backed up a bit. No, I don't remember how many of what thickness I added; that was well over 20 years ago.

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Thanks, I appreciate it!
 
I started this thread two years ago. Here is an update. I sent the steering gear box and the power steering pump out to Steer and Gear for a rebuild. I am happy with the results. no more leaks. I chose to keep the steering feel at the factory stock settings. I think it is a little tighter than it was but that is OK. The whole front end rebuild was a success and the car handles much better.
 
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