[qwert98]

Let me apologize in advance for making up terminology...

(I have an '86 CJ7)

My steering box started leaking PS fluid pretty bad from the seal between the box and the steering shaft. I got the steering box out EXCEPT for the shaft that is connected to it. I removed a clamp right in that area (around the shaft) - expecting it to release the steering box, but it didn't.

Does anyone know how to get the steering shaft out of the steering box? Once It's out, is there a rebuild kit, or a new seal that I could buy?

Thanks!!

[bleoh]

Are you talking about the shaft that connects the steering column to the steering box? If so it is a splined commection and the bolt that goes through the clamp goes through a little bit of a keyway. Once the bolt is fully removed then the issue is rust, etc.. holding it on. Try a good spray, like PB Blaster and give it plenty of time to soak.

[Ininkus]

I took a wrench and put it between the two and pryed. Came off pretty easy, but you may be fighting more rust than I was.

That said though, I'm hoping I didn't cause any damage doing it this way... make sure it's not going to hurt anything before you do it.

[qwert98]

Yes, it's just the shaft that connects to the steering box. In this pic below, it would be facing you angled toward the left (if the shaft was still there).

So I just have to pry it off? Any idea if the seal leak can be ficed? It's leaking right at that area that the shaft attaches...



http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o306/keith460/84%2520Jeep%2520Project/Chasis35.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.jeepsunlimited.com/forums/showthread.php%3Fp%3D7638871&h=600&w=800&sz=130&hl =en&start=34&um=1&tbnid=VvywQvDwHEsLBM:&tbnh=107&t bnw=143&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dcj7%2Bsteering%2Bbox%26start%3D20%26n dsp%3D20%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26sa%3DN

[smokedog]

I just replaced mine for the same leak. About $160 at auto zone for a rebuilt box. Go ahead and replace it and be done with it.

I also agree use PB. I loosened the top as well and just grabbed with two hands from underneath and went ta pullin..... Mine was a PTA. Once you get it out clean the splines and spray some WD40 prior to re-install. Might make it a bit easier. Man a new box really makes a difference in the steering response.

Good luck

[qwert98]

Great! Thanks Smokedog!!!

Did you even look into rebuilding the seal? Probably not worth the hassle, but I'd like to say I looked into it...

[dreski1]

I did purchase a seal kit from Napa. But if you are having trouble with rust holding the steering shaft in place, you will most certainly have MUCH more trouble disassembling the sector box. It requires some large wrenches to remove large nuts, and a small (oz-inches) torque wrench to preload the bearing once you replace the seals. That is the easy part.
The recirculating bearing come out very easy, but are bit of a trick to get back in, that is, once you finish chasing them around your shop floor a few dozen times.
Spend the $160 and get a new box with a warranty!!

[smokedog]

Originally Posted by qwert98

Great! Thanks Smokedog!!!

Did you even look into rebuilding the seal? Probably not worth the hassle, but I'd like to say I looked into it...

No, when it comes to steering I just thought since the part was relatively inexpensive might as well get a new one and tighten the steering up even though mine drove pretty good. It definately made it more responsive.