You may need to change the seals on your power steering gear box if you notice fluid leaking from the box or if the steering feels loose. This guide will show you how to do so in just a few steps.
Open the Hood of Your Vehicle and Locate the Power Steering Gear Box
Assuming you have a traditional hydraulic power steering system, the power steering gear box is what contains the fluid that pressurizes the steering system. There will be hoses running to and from this box, as well as a power steering pump. The pump is used to create the hydraulic pressure needed to assist in steering.
The power steering gear box is usually located near the front of the engine bay, on the driver’s side. It may be necessary to remove some other components in order to access it, such as the air intake duct or other engine accessories. Once you have located the power steering gear box, you will need to remove the cap on top of it in order to access the internals.
Inside, you will find the seals that need to be replaced. These seals are what keep the hydraulic fluid inside the power steering system and prevent leaks. In order to replace them, you will need to remove the old seals and install new ones in their place. This can be done with a sealant kit or by taking the power steering gear box to a professional mechanic.
Remove the Old Seals from the Power Steering Gear Box
Assuming you have all the necessary tools, removing the old seals from the power steering gear box is a relatively easy task.
First, remove the power steering pump from the engine. You will need a wrench to loosen the bolts holding it in place. Once the pump is removed, disconnect the power steering hoses from the gear box. Be sure to have a catch pan handy to catch any fluid that may spill out.
Next, remove the bolts holding the gear box in place. There are usually four bolts holding it to the frame of the vehicle. Once the bolts are removed, carefully pull the gear box out of its housing.
Once the gear box is out, take a look at the seals. If they look worn or damaged, they will need to be replaced. To remove the old seals, use a seal remover tool or a flat head screwdriver. Gently pry them out of their groove and discard them.
To install new seals, lightly coat them with power steering fluid and press them into place using a seal installer tool or your fingers. Be sure that they are seated properly in their groove before moving on to the next step.
Reinstall the power steering gear box into its housing and reinstall the bolts. Reconnect the power steering hoses to the gear box and then reinstall the power steering pump.
Fill the power steering reservoir with new fluid and start the engine. Check for leaks around the seals before taking your vehicle out for a test drive.
Install the New Seals in the Power Steering Gear Box
If you have a power steering gear box that is leaking, you will need to replace the seals. This is a relatively easy repair that can be done at home with the right tools.
Start by disconnecting the power steering hose from the gear box. You will likely need a flare nut wrench to do this. Once the hose is disconnected, use a pry bar to remove the old seal from the housing.
clean out any debris from the housing, then insert the new seal. Be sure to lubricate the seal with power steering fluid before installing it. Reconnect the power steering hose and test the system for leaks.
Test the Power Steering Gear Box to Make Sure it is Working Properly
If your power steering gear box is leaking or not working properly, you may need to change the seals. This is a relatively easy process, but it is important to make sure that you do it correctly in order to avoid damaging the new seals.
To test the power steering gear box, start by turning the steering wheel all the way to one side. If the steering wheel is hard to turn or if it makes noise, there may be a problem with the power steering gear box.
If the power steering gear box appears to be working properly, you can proceed with changing the seals. To do this, first remove the old seals from the power steering gear box. Next, clean the area around the seal with a cloth or brush. Then, apply a thin layer of grease to the area around the seal.
Finally, install the new seal by pressing it into place with your fingers. Make sure that the new seal is seated properly and that there are no gaps between the seal and the power steering gear box.
Conclusion
It’s not difficult to change seals on a power steering gear box, but it is important to do it correctly. Make sure you have the right tools and know how to use them before starting the job. With a little time and patience, you can easily change the seals on your power steering gear box and get it working like new again.