power steering box leaking

[karlio]

the power steering box has now decided to start leaking from the seal around the steering wheel input shaft.i can get a rebuild kit here,but how easy is it to get to and change the seal.are special tools needed etc.it is off the truck and on the bench.
my camper is a g30 model and the box is a heavy duty one.
I know I am not a truck but this forum is top banana on chevy stuff.

cheers
karl

[Irish_Alley]

Is it possible to do the seal with the box mounted? I would like to do it before I put the body on.

Yes, although more tedious, you can reseal the input stub shaft/spool valve assembly with the steering box in the vehicle.  But, definitely easier on the bench!  Whether in or out of the vehicle, you must observe certain protocols:

1) power steering systems are very sensitive to grit and dirt contamination, because the box contains a lap-fit spool torsion valve - it must be clean before disassembly, and then kept completely clean during reassembly!

2) when assembling and reinstalling the stub shaft/spool valve assembly you must remain alert and be really careful, because of fragile internal alignment and torsion pins (one each) that are easily snapped off.  The job isn't difficult, but expensive parts can be quickly damaged without warning when tightening the stub shaft adjusting nut, if the internal pins aren't properly indexed.  Lubricate the spool valve parts and seals either with petroleum jelly or p/s fluid.  Just read through the instructions that come with your seal kit before you start.

3) and did I mention, keep it clean!

http://forum.73-87chevytrucks.com/smforum/index.php/topic,22472.msg185813.html#quickreply

[karlio]

big thanks