Challenge Question: What is leaking and how do I fix it???

[65reissue]

Hey guys...from the pictures I attached, can you tell what is actually leaking from the steering box and what do I need to do to fix it? ...replace? ...rebuild? thanks for any help you can lend.

 

[tarry99]

Hey guys...from the pictures I attached, can you tell what is actually leaking from the steering box and what do I need to do to fix it? ...replace? ...rebuild? thanks for any help you can lend.

Looks like the front seal at the input shaft in the steering gear.............no easy fix short of rebuilding the gear.

 

[Old Dog]

I'd clean it all up so you can see where it's comming from. It could just be a line leaking. Hard to tell when it's covered with fluid.

 

[mtnwhlr]

but if it is the box I say get a new one or a rebuilt.

 

[Tommy]

It could even be something dripping from up above. Clean it up like Old Dog said and that should help you pinpoint it.

Tommy

 

[65reissue]

Thanks guys...I'll clean it up and see what I'm dealing with but from looking at it, i don't think its coming from above the box. Is a rebuild something that needs to be tackled by someone pretty experienced? Or should I possibly look for a rebuilt? thanks again for your help.

 

[tarry99]

Thanks guys...I'll clean it up and see what I'm dealing with but from looking at it, i don't think its coming from above the box. Is a rebuild something that needs to be tackled by someone pretty experienced? Or should I possibly look for a rebuilt? thanks again for your help.

65

That is what I thought also, but pictures are deceiving. I just did not see any indication of the oil coming from above on your fan shroud or bottom pulley just looked like that front high pressure seal leaking to me.
In regards to you doing it............not impossible but that seal is delicate and in a tough place to get out even if you remove the gear without the proper tools not withstanding keeping away from the sealing surface on the shaft during that seal removal process...........if the shaft has a groove in it from wear a new seal will do you no good anyway...........Your call?
Those gears I believe are only around $AMC 150 -$175 or so at Napa or check on line.

 

[tarry99]

65

That is what I thought also, but pictures are deceiving. I just did not see any indication of the oil coming from above on your fan shroud or bottom pulley just looked like that front high pressure seal leaking to me.
In regards to you doing it............not impossible but that seal is delicate and in a tough place to get out even if you remove the gear without the proper tools not withstanding keeping away from the sealing surface on the shaft during that seal removal process...........if the shaft has a groove in it from wear a new seal will do you no good anyway...........Your call?
Those gears I believe are only around $AMC 150 -$175 or so at Napa or check on line.

65

Just another note If you do change out the box make sure your new gear is centered ( turns left & turns right) probably about 3 to 3.5 turns in each direction , there is a good chance the rebuilt gear will be marked and already centered if so don't touch it......when you take off your old pittman arm pay attention and mark its location on the sector shaft although it should have a keyed spline so it only goes on in one place , but I have seen some that have been modified. Your new box should also have a keyed spline also............You'll probably need to rent a pittman arm puller and make sure you have the capacity to tighten down that large sector shaft nut.
Let us know how everything goes.

 

[65reissue]

Thanks guys...I really appreciate all your help. I'm in the middle of putting the fuel tank back in after changing the sending unit...just got tired of looking at the oil spot every time I walked around the front of the jeep. Will tackle that project pretty soon. thanks again...