Power steering box leak-another victim!

[Simon]

It pressurizes "down" so to speak, so the level usually shows lower when running than when off.

[sandor]

It pressurizes "down" so to speak, so the level usually shows lower when running than when off.

When I replaced my steering box and was bleeding the system, I noticed the same thing; the level is quite a bit lower when the engine is running than when it was off.

As per the FSM:

Checking Fluid Level
Check fluid level with engine off.
Check fluid level referring to the scale on the reservoir tank.
Use “HOT” range for fluid temperatures of 50 to 80°C (122 to 176°F). Use “COLD” range for fluid temperatures of 0 to 30°C (32 to 86°F).
CAUTION:
Do not overfill.
Recommended fluid is Genuine Nissan PSF II or equivalent.
Refer to MA-14, “Fluids and Lubricants”, “RECOMMENDED FLUIDS AND LUBRICANTS”.

[Simon]

I'm surprised they tell you to check it with the engine off. I've always checked/filled with the engine running, for the reason we've both experienced. At any rate, that's the reasoning for Michel's variance, I'm sure.

[Nd4SpdSe]

Indeed. Ironic tho, they don't want you to overfull it, yet it sucks in under pressure.

[sandor]

The FSM also tells you to bleed the system with the engine off. So I did, overfilled it a bit, and when I started it, the pump drew in all the fluid, and a bunch of air. Every time I stopped the engine, the level went up, I topped up the reservoir, and when I started it, it drained the reservoir to the point where it was drawing in air again. Contrary to the FSM, I filled it up with the engine running until I got all the air out; as Simon said.

[Nd4SpdSe]

Hey guys, did we see this:
Part I
http://xterrafirma.com/index.php?name=P ... 4876#74876" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Part II
http://xterrafirma.com/index.php?name=P ... pic&t=7833" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[Bender]

Well...finally got the new box in and road tested...the steering is much more responsive, but seems a bit chunky and tight. I think a couple thousand KM's ( about 2 months tops ) should get it where I like it. No more slight leak or as we called it around the shop "free rust proofing".

[Scotto]

Well...finally got the new box in and road tested...the steering is much more responsive, but seems a bit chunky and tight. I think a couple thousand KM's ( about 2 months tops ) should get it where I like it. No more slight leak or as we called it around the shop "free rust proofing".

I was wondering about this just yesterday, when I went to look for pitman arm puller, and thought, "I bet Bender still has it." (Do you?)

A bit "chunky,' huh? How so?

AND WHAT THE HELL HAPPENED TO TANK?????


Scott

[Nd4SpdSe]

What kind of box did you go with, a reman?

[Scotto]

What kind of box did you go with, a reman?

It was a reman.

[the x kid]

I might have this disease. Would the drip be 6 inches inside the left front tire? front of the tire!

[Scotto]

I might have this disease. Would the drip be 6 inches inside the left front tire? front of the tire!

Look on the steering box. Open the hood, check the top of it - there's some indents, and they might fill up with oil. Or, it's dripping down the side. Is the metal dry, or is it all shiny and oozy?

I thought mine was leaking, at one point, but it turned out to be the oil relocation kit. So, do double check that the greasy crap you see is coming from where you truly suspect it is. Spraying the area with brake cleaner and then checking after driving around works.


Scott

[Jayman]

Mine had been leaking from the bottom seal where the shaft comes out and connects to the Pitman Arm. It's been leaking for quite a while now, and I've just been keeping my eye on the resevoir levels.

I have never been to the point where I am leaving puddles everywhere I park though, so it's not that bad yet. It's really only ever leaked to the point where I notices the pitman arm is "wet" with PS fluid, as if it's sweating.

As a cheap alternative to replacing the whole box, I added a bottle of Lucas Power Steering Stop Leak to see if it would make any difference. It seems to have stopped the leak, so I was happy with that.

And in case anyone wonders, the Lucas stuff is supposed to be as thick as honey. When I opened my bottle and starting pouring, I had to wonder, because this stuff is THICK.

[the x kid]

I might have this disease. Would the drip be 6 inches inside the left front tire? front of the tire!

Look on the steering box. Open the hood, check the top of it - there's some indents, and they might fill up with oil. Or, it's dripping down the side. Is the metal dry, or is it all shiny and oozy?

I thought mine was leaking, at one point, but it turned out to be the oil relocation kit. So, do double check that the greasy crap you see is coming from where you truly suspect it is. Spraying the area with brake cleaner and then checking after driving around works.
Thanks,I'll check all that.

Scott

[the x kid]

Mine had been leaking from the bottom seal where the shaft comes out and connects to the Pitman Arm. It's been leaking for quite a while now, and I've just been keeping my eye on the resevoir levels.

I have never been to the point where I am leaving puddles everywhere I park though, so it's not that bad yet. It's really only ever leaked to the point where I notices the pitman arm is "wet" with PS fluid, as if it's sweating.

As a cheap alternative to replacing the whole box, I added a bottle of Lucas Power Steering Stop Leak to see if it would make any difference. It seems to have stopped the leak, so I was happy with that.

And in case anyone wonders, the Lucas stuff is supposed to be as thick as honey. When I opened my bottle and starting pouring, I had to wonder, because this stuff is THICK.

I looked under the front and it seems like Pitman arm is soaked with something.I smelled the fluid.No smell.

[Jayman]

I looked under the front and it seems like Pitman arm is soaked with something.I smelled the fluid.No smell.

Sounds like you have the same problem most of us have, the box starts leaking at that shaft seal. Grab a bottle of the Lucas stuff and see if it helps at all.

Alternatively, you can get some degreaser (Clean Green for instance) FIRST, spray it down to get it clean, and then try to get a better idea where the leak is coming from.

I suspect the above though, shaft seal is drying out.

[the x kid]

Will do.

[SlaveX]

Leaking steering box? Strange they never...

[Simon]

No....never. Your truck hasn't eaten 10 of the things or something like that.

[SlaveX]

Right, it wasn't 10, but enough to loose the count