steering gearbox leak

[fireguyfire]

After a full resto on my 68 the only leak I seem to have is from my steering gearbox; it looks like the drip is coming from around the large circular "nut" on the the bottom end of the gearbox (about 2" across) if that makes sense.
My question is, can leaks be fixed on a steering gear box, or am I going to have to change it out eventually?

[twodko]

Probably not what you want to hear but don't putz with it. Its old, sloppy and will leak again sooner rather than later.
Buy yourself a FirmFeel II box. When it arrives send your old box back for a core discount.

[fireguyfire]

Whats a firmfeel worth, ballpark?

[twodko]

The OO I bought my car from had mine installed as part of the deal. Give them a ring or google them.

[oldcarnut]

http://www.dodgecharger.com/forum/index.php/topic,67669.0.html
Here's a little reference.  Not hard to do.  There are some other threads if you search.

[fireguyfire]

old car nut; great link; how do you get that big castle nut off?

[oldcarnut]

old car nut; great link; how do you get that big castle nut off?

Well depending on what room you have you could use a spanner wrench or I'm not sure I remember exactly but I think I used a brass punch but either way it took a couple hard knocks to get it going.  If your going to try it, let it soak a little in some penetrating oil in the threads first.

[fireguyfire]

Cool; anybody know where to source a set of seals for a gearbox (68)?

[oldcarnut]

http://m.advanceautoparts.com/mt/shop.advanceautoparts.com/web/PartSearchCmd?searchTerm=piwer%20steering%20box%20seal&storeId=10151&catalogId=10051&pageId=partTypeList&suggestion=&actionSrc=Form&langId=-1&isAllVehicle=false&vehicleIdSearch=25987&un_jtt_v_unShowExp=true&un_jtt_redirect

Order it online and pickup at your store.  Use p20 code to save 20% or you should call them first and double check the numbers for your car and particular store.  Make sure they are in stock then order them online.

[fireguyfire]

Okay: I took the advise here and purchased a new power steering gearbox as opposed to rebuilding the old one.
What is the best way to fill the new system to minimize air in it now that I have installed the new gearbox? Fill it a bit; turn the wheels full left to full right and fill more until full, or is there another way?

[Highbanked Hauler]

Okay: I took the advise here and purchased a new power steering gearbox as opposed to rebuilding the old one.
What is the best way to fill the new system to minimize air in it now that I have installed the new gearbox? Fill it a bit; turn the wheels full left to full right and fill more until full, or is there another way?

      You got it, and with the car running turn  the steering wheel lock to lock as many times as it takes. Both of mine took a LOT..

[fireguyfire]

Thanks! Will I see bubbles in the power steering pump reservoir while the air is leaving?(like when you bleed brake lines)?

[toocheaptosmoke]

Here's a procedure I use for bleeding fresh power steering systems:

-jack the front up off the ground a little (makes it easier to turn the wheels)
-top off the pump reservoir
-turn over the engine for a bit, if it starts don't let it run for more than a second
-top off the pump again, it will suck in a lot of fluid quick at the beginning.  You don't want to let it get low enough to start sucking any air
-start/stop engine again, keep topping off until fluid doesn't drop anymore
-with engine idling, slowy turn wheels from stop to stop a few times
-drink a beer

I have done this quite a few times and have never gotten the foaming fluid or squishy steering feel.  If you let the pump start sucking air and pushing it through the system that causes a lot of grief.