I've just fitted one of Hector's rebuilt boxes, so some questions: 1) ATF or Power Steering Fluid? Opinion is divided. My local steering guy says ATF. 2)I've drained the pump, and flushed the lines by filling the pump and letting the ATF drain out of both hoses. 3 ) Regarding bleeding the system, I found this on Chevytalk, any thoughts? Raise the wheels off the ground, fill pump with fluid. BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINE, turn the wheels back and forth GENTLY a few times. Refill with fluid, again turn wheels back and forth a couple times, refill with fluid. Start your engine, then check fluid level, refill as needed. Then turn wheels back and forth a couple times, check fluid level. If no more needs to be added, then lower the front wheels and test drive. Check fluid again after test drive. And thanks to Hawken & Hector too.
I used clear power steering fluid. When my car drips, I like color coded leaks to tell me what I need to work on. Other than that, it will work with ATF in most cases. That's pretty much what I did with mine but before I hooked up the return line, I let it drain some until it was clear coming out before I reattached it to the pump/reservoir.
turn the steering wheel slowly back and forth. Buy the power steering fluid meant for your car. I have never done the back & forth with the engine off.
I have a steering box from Hector, but have yet to install it... Im not sure whats involved, never had to replace one before. Is it a difficult job? Special tools? You need a puller to get the arm off correct. I worry about putting the arm on in the wrong spot etc...
Easy enough job. The hardest part for me was removing the hoses from the box. I swapped the rag joint over myself, then took the old & new boxes to my local steering guy. Got him to pull the pitman arm off the old one and swap over. $20 cash. I also put a spot of paint on the steering shaft and kept the wheels straight. Its all back together, the steering wheel is right way up, and the wheels are pointing straight ahead. A usefull tip is to smother the steering box bolts in penetrating fluid before hand. Special tools? Pitman arm remover and a ball joint splitter (pickle fork) I have the pickle fork, no pitman remover, soI had it done for me. Going to fill it this afternoon after work and try it out. Can't wait to have quicker steering and no free play.
Well, there are a lot of different kinds of ATF. Have you asked Hector to ask his rebuilder what to use? As far as bleeding the system goes, the engine has to be running (and the power steering pump pulley turning) to pump the air out of the system. The front tires should be off the ground to avoid grinding flat spots on them. Do not pull the steering wheel hard against the stops, just rotate it gently until the wheel stops, then cycle to the other stop. Pulling it too hard can cause a burst hose.
I use GM 12345866. Partial synthetic, for Corvettes, & cold climate. I bought it mainly for my daily drivers when it is -10 to -20 below, the pump would whine on start up a bit. I was happy enough with how it worked, I drained and fill the '72 Skylark with it also. This is an original unrestored steering box. No leaks, and no squeal even if I do happen to turn to full lock. https://www.amazon.com/Genuine-Fluid-12345866-Climate-Steering/dp/B000QIRZZE
