power steering???

[tigwelder]

i was checking everything out on my 85 k20 before snow hits and noticed top of steering box big nut by rag joint has a little fluid leaking out.can this be tightened? also noticed the pump has transmission fluid in it. should the 85 have power steering fluid?

[Lt.Del]

i can tell you from what i've seen and heard, if someone has no power steering fluid, guess what they used......yep, the red stuff.

[bd]

Fluid leaks past the input shaft spool valve adjusting nut O-ring and shaft seal cannot be stopped by tightening the locknut.  In fact, you run the risk of damaging the internal valve assembly, if tightened incorrectly.  Dexron can substitute for P/S fluid in a pinch, but the GM P/S fluid was part of the original build and is preferred.

[tigwelder]

thanks for info i can pick up a reman tomorrow at advanced auto.i had front end aligned about a month ago and i am still getting a little wondering  in the steering. everything was checked and looked good . can a wore out box cause this?

[bd]

Any play in the steering gear or linkage can cause wander, as can toe setting.  Check your tie-rod ends, drag link ends and Pitman arm.  In addition, 4x4s have a chronic problem with cracking the frame rail at the steering gear mount, causing the sensation of "herding" the vehicle.  Thoroughly inspect for cracks around the gear mounting bolt holes.  If cracks exist, they will need to be drilled, v-grooved, welded and dressed; then reinforcement plates can be added as well as a frame rail stabilizer (torque arm that controls rotational flexing of the rail).  Kits are available.