Power steering fluid leak

[Fgz711]

I have a 1988 mighty max 4x4 manual transmission that has a pretty substancial power steering fluid coming from almost near the oil pan under the truck. I was wondering what are some probable causes and fixes. Thank you in advance!

[tortron]

lower seals on the box are often the culprit. is it dribbling along the frame rail?

could also be loose bolts/bleeder on the top of the box, loose hose connections at either end or a damaged hose. On the pump end it could be the pulley seal or cracked res.

suggest cleaning the area up to pinpoint where its coming from

[Fgz711]

I’m going to attempt to clean it as best as I can today to find the leak and will get back to you as soon as I pin point it to see what to do from there.

[B-Line]

Likely the seals just going bad over time.

[wthom4]

Can I replace the pitman shaft seal (both seals) without taking the gearbox off the truck?

[FMS88]

Don't know about an '82 box. Assuming you have power steering, for '84 and newer trucks, the sector shaft must be removed from the box to extract the upper of the two pitman arm seals. Plus removing the sector shaft with the box is mounted to the truck would be complicated assuming it's even possible. Dealing with the power steering fluid is a pain, but R&I of the box isn't difficult. With the box on a work bench, it's much easier to clean the sector shaft assembly, the box's bore, and to replace the bottom and top seals.

[wthom4]

Thanks. Yes, power steering. If I need to remove the box from the truck, this is going to have to wait until I have more time and a better place to work. Appreciate your feedback. I saw a video on YouTube showing someone replacing lower seals on a Jeep and he just raised the shaft a couple inches rather than take it all the way out, so I was hopeful I could do the same.

[FMS88]

Thanks. Yes, power steering. If I need to remove the box from the truck, this is going to have to wait until I have more time and a better place to work. Appreciate your feedback. I saw a video on YouTube showing someone replacing lower seals on a Jeep and he just raised the shaft a couple inches rather than take it all the way out, so I was hopeful I could do the same.

If there's room to try the Jeep method, might be worth a shot. There's only a 1/2 inch or so above the box on my truck, so it's not an option. Also, every sector shaft I've removed was pitted in the seals area and needed JB Weld and fine sanding to restore the seal surface.

[xboxrox]

Automatic transmission fluid leak

I bought a RHD Strada truck sector shaft but have not yet tried fitting it into my 4x4 power steering box (X'd fingers it might fit $250.00 item from Amayama..!)

Some steering box photos here: http://www.mightyram50.net/vbulletin/album.php?albumid=626&attachmentid=28086