leaking steering box

Mattt · September 9, 2005

http://www.gm-trucks.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=45190

GM-Tech · September 9, 2005

Sounds like pitman shaft seals. Wow, it's been years and years since I've replaced any of those and haven't seen anyone in our shop do it either.

What is it you wanted to know? I don't do parts, so I can't help ya with part numbers.

Mattt · September 10, 2005

It is leaking from the bottom of the steering box where the pitman arm attaches to the box. Is it time for a new box, or can it be repaired while in the truck, 01 2500HD 4WD?

Are there any special tools required for the job?

Mine seems to be leaking some PS fluid and some grease. Is there both inside the steering box that can leak from the bottom shaft?

Strange that both of us with 01s are having this problem. Thanks again for your input.

GM-Tech · September 10, 2005

Not sure where the grease would be coming from. It's lubricated by the PS fluid.

Yes, special tools are need and in reality, it is supposed to be done by practically disassembling the entire gear assembly. You do not want to get into that if you are not qualified.

Like I said, it's been years and years, but the way we've done it in the past is this:

Remove the pitman arm and remove the snap ring that retains the seals and the flat washer under it. Put the pitman arm back on. It doesn't have to be super tight. Start the vehicle up, keep the rpms up slightly and turn the wheel to full lock. PS pressures will go to 1400 psi or so and blow the seals right out. You'll have a mess of oil all over of course.

The seals may not pop out on the first full lock turn of the wheel, but should after a few times of doing this. If this doesn't work, and sometimes it doesn't, see the second paragraph. If it does work, you may need to cobble together a driver of sorts that will be large and long enough to slip over the pitman shaft, but thin enough to fit into the housing to push the seals into place. You need to get them in squarely so it wouldn't be a good idea to try to walk them in with a flat punch or anything like that.

Bottom line... you probably want to let the professionals do this job. Find a place that does just steering/alignment, that sort of thing.