I recently installed a hydro-boost system in my '64 Skylark and soon after started noticing power steering on the garage floor. It's not a major leak, probably an ounce or so every few weeks. I immediately assumed it was a leaky booster or loose line/fitting. After inspection I could not find evidence of leaks around the fittings, lines, booster unit. Today I finally got under the car and it looks like the power steering box is leaking in the area of the input shaft and at the pitman arm shaft, although it could be the input shaft leak is just running downhill and dripping off the pitman arm nut. The power steering pump is a Type II pump, not the original Saginaw pump. Could it be the Type II pump has too much pressure or is this just a coincidence? The steering box is remanufactured Chevelle SS 12:1 box I bought from Napa about 10 years ago. Thanks in advance.
My reman box has the sporadic drip that isn't coming from the lines or pump as well. Mine looks exclusively like the pitman arm shaft seal. I think that seal is replaceable. After 10 years, could one or both of them just be worn out?
The seals are probably worn out. I'll find out today because I'm switching out the box for another reman unit. It only cost $155 at NAPA and if I get 10 years out of it I'll worry about it again in 2029. A seal kit can be had for about $50 but I don't have the patience to replace them.
I have had the Putnam arm seal replaced twice on two different used boxes and each time I thought it would be e nd of problem . I'll have to get reman box now
I replaced my pitman seals last year. You need to be careful to put the correct seal in first. The two seals are different. I have not had a leak since changing them.
Mine has finally gotten bad enough that it leaked most of the fluid out over the winter. Puddle the size of a dinner plate directly under it.
