Power Steering Gear leak

[Yukon96]

After some investigation, it appears I have a leak coming from the steering gear box. It's making a mess on the brush guard and dripping on my drive way or any where else I park. It's very gradual though. The fluid in the pump reservoir does not appear to go down much at all in a weeks time. I did try stop leak to no avail. Still leaking. Is there anything I can do short of replacing it? And, what would the estimated cost be to have it done at a shop? I dread the thought of doing it myself. Thanks in advance for any input.

 

[mattluttrell]

Yes, you could replace the o-ring or check the lines. I clean everything and place white pieces of paper in specific areas when I am tracking power steering leaks.

Power steering leaks at the gear are often the o-ring at the lines ($.10) or a gear rebuild ($200).

Replacing might be a 4 hour job, so $85x4?

So my guess is $560 total cost with an outside chance it was an o-ring or high pressure line.

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[Yukon96]

Thanks matt. I have already replaced the high pressure line with O-rings, and going to replace the return line also because I replaced the pump just recently. By the time I'm done all components will be new, because I would rather put a new gear in vs rebuild. It does appear the leak is coming from the bottom of the gear. Perhaps at the steering shaft. Where could I find a good write up on replacing the gear? Thanks again for the help.

 

[SunlitComet]

replace the gasket that is leaking perhaps. as for a write up just disconnect and yank out. it is best however to put the pitman arm on before installing.

 

[Yukon96]

You make sound simple, sun. I'll get on it right away. But, no, not really.

 

[SunlitComet]

just heavy pieces and short on space and room to maneuver.

 

[mattluttrell]

Thanks matt. I have already replaced the high pressure line with O-rings, and going to replace the return line also because I replaced the pump just recently. By the time I'm done all components will be new, because I would rather put a new gear in vs rebuild. It does appear the leak is coming from the bottom of the gear. Perhaps at the steering shaft. Where could I find a good write up on replacing the gear? Thanks again for the help.

Not sure. I have not done it on a Yukon. I've done it maybe 5 times on jeeps and a Chevy van.

They all actually used a very similar 3 bolt Gear unit.

I would pull pitman arm, unhook two hoses and then loosen input shaft and then remove the 3 main bolts that hold the unit to the chasis.

I have bought cheap units from U Pull It yards and use those as trade in on reman units. Looking at the rebuild process, I can't see too much difference on remain versus new. I wish I knew how to reman them myself. It is likely not that hard.

You said you did the hoses already. I screw up the o-ring about 20% of the time. I don't get the right size, don't oil it enough or crush it by over tightening.

The hose is easy to screw up.

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[Yukon96]

I will probably be replacing it myself. Most likely with a reman unit. I agree with ya matt. Not likely a difference between reman and new, reliability wise. I'll have to wait for a good weather weekend though, so I have plenty of time to work on it. I'll post my struggle when done, and let ya know if I'll ever be able to drive my truck again.

 

[Yukon96]

I finally replaced the steering gear. A reman from Autozone. Also a new pitman arm. Had to use a fork wedge to get the old pitman arm off of the steering arm,and destroyed the gasket. removal was pretty strait forward. One suggestion, if you don't have a good sturdy bench vise,(mine broke), have the pitman are installed on the new gear at a shop, if available. That was a *****. Got the gear back in without a hitch. On the down side, I think the the new gear has a slight leak where the steering wheel shaft go's into it. Not going to worry about it for now, and, maybe try some stop leak. All in all, It works great. steers like a new truck. Thanks for the help guys.

 

[SunlitComet]

do not use stop leak in anything please.