72 power steering gearbox is leaking fluid.........

[bandit67]

Hi Gang,  I am trying to get my 72, which had been sitting up for years, moving again. Just got the original motor back in and moving on it own now, but the gear box has fluid leaking from the top. It appears to be from the shaft seal that connects to the steering column.  I thought  about waiting till I get the car on the road and maybe after every thing get heated up the seal may seal better. But the box leaks pretty bad just sitting there. Have never tried the stop leak stuff sold as a quick fix. I understand that stuff just causes the seal to swell up.
       Is that seal easy to replace........does the whole gearbox have to come out and be totally gone thru?  Can just that seal be bought or do if need a complete rebuild kit.  I hate leaks of any kind..........anybody care to share their opinions..........John

[AKcharger]

I had the same thing, pretty common. I looked into getting the seal kit (which is pretty cheap) and it didn't look too hard but since it would have to come out of the car I just went the lazy way and swapped out the whole thing, I think it  was $225

[bandit67]

Thanks for the response AK. I may try some Stop Leak until either I can find a replacement or a seal and some instructions on how disassemble and reassemble the gear box. ........J

[T16]

Found the same leak on my 72 today.. guess driving my car this summer just isn´t meant to be 

You guys think its possible just to pry the old seal out with a screwdriver and mount a new one..? with the gear still in the car. After releasing the steering shaft of course



*edit*

Found this in my service manual:

[Charger_Fan]

Thanks for the response AK. I may try some Stop Leak until either I can find a replacement or a seal and some instructions on how disassemble and reassemble the gear box. ........J

I've never found 'stop leak' to actually stop a leak. I'd just replace the seal. You should be able to get a worm shaft seal set at NAPA.

You guys think its possible just to pry the old seal out with a screwdriver and mount a new one..? with the gear still in the car. After releasing the steering shaft of course

I doubt you'll have much luck, if any, with a screwdriver...however, I bet you'd have decent luck with a SCREW!
You may have to drill a small hole first in the seal (smaller than the screw), then just get a small wood screw & screw that baby in there. Once it's in a few turns, grab it with some Vise-grips & pull it out.

Here's a pitman shaft seal I got out this way a week or two ago...




It's a little harder to do on a small seal, but it can be done. The only thing is that if it doesn't work, then you've REALLY buggered up that seal!

[Nacho-RT74]

I would say is time for a new worm and piston
http://www.dodgecharger.com/forum/index.php/topic,31349.0.html
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                   naaaaah, just promotioning LOL

[T16]

Managed to pop the damn seal of today.. the screw trick didnt work. Had to "dig" it out with a screwdriver. But i´m glad it could be done without lifting the whole gear

Found this on eBay.. hope its the right one http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1955-76-Mopar-Dodge-GMC-Worm-Shaft-Steering-Oil-Seal_W0QQitemZ290087022592QQihZ019QQcategoryZ42605QQrdZ1QQssPageNameZWD1VQQcmdZViewItem