PS steering gear leaking

[rs2600]

The steering gear is leaking at the inputshaft from the steering column. How hard is it to replace the seal? Do I have to remove the gearbox or can it be changed while on the truck? Any hidden clips or so? Steering gear is a -7 F250.
/Mat

[bluef250]

What's a -7 F250? You need to remove box to make repairs. The Bendix box, '69 and before, is expensive to replace and to difficult to repair. The Ford box (Saginaw) is easier. Either box will fit but you would have to modify steering column shaft and motor mount if you have a Bendix and install a Saginaw.

[Chris/Mass]

I have the Bendix unit in my '69 F250. About ten years ago it started leaking at the input shaft. I brought it to New Hampshire Hydraulics in Merrimack, New Hampshire and they rebuilt the unit for me. The price seemed reasonable at the time. You may want to check with someone like them in your area. Chris.

[67F250CS]

You dont need to remove the box if its input. You will need to remove the column and slide in back a bit. There are 2 bolts on mine holding it to the dash. There are 6 screws that hold the rubber gasket on the inside. There is a rag joint with two bolts right at the box. Then all you need to do is drill a very small hole in the old seal, not too deep or youll hit the machined area and thats big trouble. Then you screw in a sheet metal screw and grab the screw head with pliers and rock the seal out. Make sure everything is hospital operating room clean. Any dirt will keep the new seal from doing its job. Then slide the new seal over the shaft and gently tap into place using a socket the same size as the seal. Dont over pound on it or it will leak. Then put everything back you took off. I did mine in about 2 hours start to finish. I got all my parts from NAPA. I had the Bendix box but the Ford box will the same procedure. Also cosider putting loctite on the edge of the seal if it doesnt come already on the seal. I dont remember which typre loctite at this time but the parts guy/gal should know what you need. Total cost was under $20.