GMCforum
For enthusiast of the Classic GMC Motorhome built from 1973 to 1978. A web-based mirror of the GMCnet mailing list.

Home » Public Forums » GMCnet » Steering box seal replacement
Steering box seal replacement [message #279310] Sun, 07 June 2015 20:52 Go to next message
Hal StClair   United States
Messages: 971
Registered: March 2013
Location: Rio Rancho NM
Karma: -12
Senior Member
I just noticed the top seal in my steering box is leaking. Anyone know if the seal can be replaced without disturbing any of the boxes settings? A number for the seal would be great if anyone had it also. It's a rebuilt box but now is a bad time to contact the rebuilder so I'd just prefer to fix it myself if possible.
Thanks folks,
Hal


"I enjoy talking to you. Your mind appeals to me. It resembles my own mind, except you happen to be insane." 1977 Royale 101348, 1977 Royale 101586, Diesel powered, 1974 Eagle Bus 45',w/slideout, Rio Rancho, NM
Re: [GMCnet] Steering box seal replacement [message #279313 is a reply to message #279310] Sun, 07 June 2015 21:25 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Ken Henderson is currently offline  Ken Henderson   United States
Messages: 8726
Registered: March 2004
Location: Americus, GA
Karma: 9
Senior Member
Hal,

It should be fairly easy to R&R the input shaft seal. It's retained by an
internal C-clip and not very tightly pressed into the housing. You can
probably pull the seal with a pick or screwdriver; at worst, drill a hole
in the metal of the seal and use an EZout.

When you reasssemble it, be SURE to seat the C-clip correctly. I rebuilt
my steering box before my trip to the west coast a couple of years ago. On
Vancouver Island, the seal blew out, dumping all the PS fluid. I wound up
driving about 100 miles with no power steering to reach Sullie's place in
Seattle. I wound up having Red Head rebuild the box again.

Since I'm at the beach with my family for this week, I can't give you the
seal number; someone will.

Incidentally, I learned something from Red Head when I had the box
rebuilt: They told me that they installed "second oversize" ball bearings
in it. I had never thought about, nor seen mentioned, that the
recirculating balls in the box are subject to wear just like everything
else. The box does perform well -- though I was just as happy with it
before that incident. I presume, with no evidence to support it, that
"second oversize" means 0.002" larger.

Ken H.


On Sun, Jun 7, 2015 at 9:52 PM, Hal StClair
wrote:

> I just noticed the top seal in my steering box is leaking. Anyone know if
> the seal can be replaced without disturbing any of the boxes settings? A
> number for the seal would be great if anyone had it also. It's a rebuilt
> box but now is a bad time to contact the rebuilder so I'd just prefer to fix
> it myself if possible.
> Thanks folks,
> Hal
> --
> 1977 Royale 101348,
>
> 1977 Royale 101586,
>
> 1974 Eagle Bus 45',w/slideout
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
>
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist



Ken Henderson
Americus, GA
www.gmcwipersetc.com
Large Wiring Diagrams
76 X-Birchaven
76 X-Palm Beach
Re: [GMCnet] Steering box seal replacement [message #279315 is a reply to message #279313] Sun, 07 June 2015 21:37 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Dolph Santorine is currently offline  Dolph Santorine   United States
Messages: 1236
Registered: April 2011
Location: Wheeling, WV
Karma: -41
Senior Member
One more comment from the school of hard knocks - avoid cheap rebuilds. I had a Cardone, it was awful.

Dolph Santorine

DE N8JPC

Wheeling, West Virginia

1977 ex-Palm Beach TZE167V100820
1-ton, Sullybuilt Bags, Reaction Arms, 3.70 LSD, Manny Transmission, EV-6010,


> On Jun 7, 2015, at 10:25 PM, Ken Henderson wrote:
>
> Hal,
>
> It should be fairly easy to R&R the input shaft seal. It's retained by an
> internal C-clip and not very tightly pressed into the housing. You can
> probably pull the seal with a pick or screwdriver; at worst, drill a hole
> in the metal of the seal and use an EZout.
>
> When you reasssemble it, be SURE to seat the C-clip correctly. I rebuilt
> my steering box before my trip to the west coast a couple of years ago. On
> Vancouver Island, the seal blew out, dumping all the PS fluid. I wound up
> driving about 100 miles with no power steering to reach Sullie's place in
> Seattle. I wound up having Red Head rebuild the box again.
>
> Since I'm at the beach with my family for this week, I can't give you the
> seal number; someone will.
>
> Incidentally, I learned something from Red Head when I had the box
> rebuilt: They told me that they installed "second oversize" ball bearings
> in it. I had never thought about, nor seen mentioned, that the
> recirculating balls in the box are subject to wear just like everything
> else. The box does perform well -- though I was just as happy with it
> before that incident. I presume, with no evidence to support it, that
> "second oversize" means 0.002" larger.
>
> Ken H.
>
>
> On Sun, Jun 7, 2015 at 9:52 PM, Hal StClair
> wrote:
>
>> I just noticed the top seal in my steering box is leaking. Anyone know if
>> the seal can be replaced without disturbing any of the boxes settings? A
>> number for the seal would be great if anyone had it also. It's a rebuilt
>> box but now is a bad time to contact the rebuilder so I'd just prefer to fix
>> it myself if possible.
>> Thanks folks,
>> Hal
>> --
>> 1977 Royale 101348,
>>
>> 1977 Royale 101586,
>>
>> 1974 Eagle Bus 45',w/slideout
>> _______________________________________________
>> GMCnet mailing list
>> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
>> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist

Re: Steering box seal replacement [message #279316 is a reply to message #279310] Sun, 07 June 2015 22:04 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Ken Burton is currently offline  Ken Burton   United States
Messages: 10030
Registered: January 2004
Location: Hebron, Indiana
Karma: 10
Senior Member
I have been stalling about doing mine which is leaking the same way. Ken H. also told me it easily can be done. Two other people told me that the reason the seal goes is that the shaft is worn. I do not know and have not attempted at this point to do the job. If you do it, please tell me what you find and how you did it.



Ken Burton - N9KB
76 Palm Beach
Hebron, Indiana
Re: Steering box seal replacement [message #279321 is a reply to message #279316] Sun, 07 June 2015 22:31 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Hal StClair   United States
Messages: 971
Registered: March 2013
Location: Rio Rancho NM
Karma: -12
Senior Member

Thanks Ken, it doesn't sound like too bad a job if I can locate the seal. Being brand new (rebuilt) the seal shouldn't be too tough to remove.
My box was done by the best we know here so I'm sure everything was done right. Things happen and it's not the time to bring the issue to his attention right now. It may be 'operator error' on my part anyway so I'll take care of it. I'll post how things go.
Still hoping someone has a number for the seal.
Hal


"I enjoy talking to you. Your mind appeals to me. It resembles my own mind, except you happen to be insane." 1977 Royale 101348, 1977 Royale 101586, Diesel powered, 1974 Eagle Bus 45',w/slideout, Rio Rancho, NM
Re: Steering box seal replacement [message #279325 is a reply to message #279321] Sun, 07 June 2015 23:03 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Bullitthead is currently offline  Bullitthead   United States
Messages: 1411
Registered: November 2013
Karma: 5
Senior Member
This is what is listed for a 1974 Toronado:
http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/p/powercraft-steering-gear-input-shaft-seal-kit-7095/3865282-P?searchTerm=steering+gear+box+seals

Does anyone know what the steering gears in our coaches are from, if not the Toronado?


Terry Kelpien ASE Master Technician 73 Glacier 260 Smithfield, Va.

[Updated on: Sun, 07 June 2015 23:03]

Report message to a moderator

Re: Steering box seal replacement [message #279326 is a reply to message #279325] Sun, 07 June 2015 23:34 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Bullitthead is currently offline  Bullitthead   United States
Messages: 1411
Registered: November 2013
Karma: 5
Senior Member
But Advances' site indicates that the seal kit does not fit the Transmode. This doesn't surprise me, as anytime I use the Transmode to look up parts, there is nothing to fit it on any parts site. But for 10 bucks, if you can find a local store that has it, or combine it with an order worth $75 from Advance to get free shipping, it would be worth a gamble to get it and try it. Or try the part # at other sites and stores.

Terry Kelpien ASE Master Technician 73 Glacier 260 Smithfield, Va.
Re: [GMCnet] Steering box seal replacement [message #279328 is a reply to message #279310] Mon, 08 June 2015 00:25 Go to previous messageGo to next message
USAussie is currently offline  USAussie   United States
Messages: 15912
Registered: July 2007
Location: Sydney, Australia
Karma: 6
Senior Member
G'day,

It's that pedantic pain in the a$$ that keeps referring people to the Maintenance Manual (MM)! ;-)

See MM 7-7525 / Section 9 - Steering / Page 9 -27 - 28 Adjuster Plug Assembly / Disassembly & Assembly / Step 1.

Oh yeah, you'll have to remove the lower steering column yoke from the steering gear. Be careful not to turn the steering gear input
shaft and have 29/64 inch drill available to put through the bolt hole in the yoke after you re-install it to make sure the yoke is
properly aligned on the steering gear input shaft.

This assumes that only the Stub Shaft Seal is leaking and that the stub shaft, needle bearing, and o-ring are OK. See Figure 30 -
Adjuster Plug (Exploded View) on the page referenced above.

Regards,
Rob M.
The Pedantic Mechanic
Sydney, Australia
AUS '75 Avion - The Blue Streak TZE365V100428
USA '75 Avion - Double Trouble TZE365V100426


-----Original Message-----
From: Hal StClair

I just noticed the top seal in my steering box is leaking. Anyone know if the seal can be replaced without disturbing any of the
boxes settings? A number for the seal would be great if anyone had it also. It's a rebuilt box but now is a bad time to contact the
rebuilder so I'd just prefer to fix it myself if possible.
Thanks folks,
Hal

_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist



Regards, Rob M. (USAussie) The Pedantic Mechanic Sydney, Australia '75 Avion - AUS - The Blue Streak TZE365V100428 '75 Avion - USA - Double Trouble TZE365V100426
Re: [GMCnet] Steering box seal replacement [message #279329 is a reply to message #279325] Mon, 08 June 2015 00:54 Go to previous messageGo to next message
USAussie is currently offline  USAussie   United States
Messages: 15912
Registered: July 2007
Location: Sydney, Australia
Karma: 6
Senior Member
G'day,

I went to Parts Book 78Z / Section 16 - Steering / Page 16-5

There are two Key 38's

1) Part Number: 5687183 Kit - seal

Googled Part Number: 5687183 Kit results:

http://www.yoyopart.com/oem/10110425/gm-5687183.html

http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_odkw=7828565&_osacat=0&_from=R40&_trksid=p2045573.m570.l1313.TR0.TRC0.H0.X5687183.TRS1&_nkw=5687183&am p;
_sacat=0

2) Part Number: 7828565 Kit - seal

Googled Part Number: 7828565 kit results:

http://www.yoyopart.com/oem/10638170/gm-7828565.html

Note: the dimensions of both parts from Yoyo Part are identical

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Chevrolet-GM-Power-Steering-Gear-Seal-Kit-7828565-/281446497276

To answer your question I believe they are unique to the GMC. I don't have time to type out why I believe that at the moment I will
try to do so later this week.

Regards,
Rob M.
The Pedantic Mechanic
Sydney, Australia
AUS '75 Avion - The Blue Streak TZE365V100428
USA '75 Avion - Double Trouble TZE365V100426

-----Original Message-----
From: Terry

This is what is listed for a 1974 Toronado:
http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/p/powercraft-steering-gear-input-shaft-seal-kit-7095/3865282-P?searchTerm=steering+gear+box+seals

Does anyone know what the steering gears in our coaches are come from, if not the Toronado?
--
Terry

_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist



Regards, Rob M. (USAussie) The Pedantic Mechanic Sydney, Australia '75 Avion - AUS - The Blue Streak TZE365V100428 '75 Avion - USA - Double Trouble TZE365V100426
Re: [GMCnet] Steering box seal replacement [message #279336 is a reply to message #279328] Mon, 08 June 2015 08:01 Go to previous messageGo to next message
powerjon is currently offline  powerjon   United States
Messages: 2446
Registered: January 2004
Karma: 5
Senior Member
The one that I have bought and used is a NAPA part NPS 7367. Bought 2 a few years back and gave one to a friend for the leak on his steering box. Can be done in coach as Rob has stated the manual and 29/64 drill. Instructions come with seal


or
http://tinyurl.com/p93db4t

JR Wright
78 Buskirk Stretch
75 Avion
Michigan

> On Jun 8, 2015, at 1:25 AM, Robert Mueller wrote:
>
> G'day,
>
> It's that pedantic pain in the a$$ that keeps referring people to the Maintenance Manual (MM)! ;-)
>
> See MM 7-7525 / Section 9 - Steering / Page 9 -27 - 28 Adjuster Plug Assembly / Disassembly & Assembly / Step 1.
>
> Oh yeah, you'll have to remove the lower steering column yoke from the steering gear. Be careful not to turn the steering gear input
> shaft and have 29/64 inch drill available to put through the bolt hole in the yoke after you re-install it to make sure the yoke is
> properly aligned on the steering gear input shaft.
>
> This assumes that only the Stub Shaft Seal is leaking and that the stub shaft, needle bearing, and o-ring are OK. See Figure 30 -
> Adjuster Plug (Exploded View) on the page referenced above.
>
> Regards,
> Rob M.
> The Pedantic Mechanic
> Sydney, Australia
> AUS '75 Avion - The Blue Streak TZE365V100428
> USA '75 Avion - Double Trouble TZE365V100426
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Hal StClair
>
> I just noticed the top seal in my steering box is leaking. Anyone know if the seal can be replaced without disturbing any of the
> boxes settings? A number for the seal would be great if anyone had it also. It's a rebuilt box but now is a bad time to contact the
> rebuilder so I'd just prefer to fix it myself if possible.
> Thanks folks,
> Hal
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist

_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist



J.R. Wright
GMC GreatLaker
GMC Eastern States
GMCMI
78 30' Buskirk Stretch
75 Avion Under Reconstruction
Michigan
Re: Steering box seal replacement [message #279345 is a reply to message #279310] Mon, 08 June 2015 09:51 Go to previous messageGo to next message
An87ttype is currently offline  An87ttype   United States
Messages: 157
Registered: September 2012
Karma: 0
Senior Member
Another thing to check that can cause that seal to leak is the filter in the windshield wiper motor. The back pressure can cause it to leak. If it is clogged, it may stop if you clean it out. It worked in my case.

1975 Eleganza II Hudson Valley NY
Re: Steering box seal replacement [message #279355 is a reply to message #279345] Mon, 08 June 2015 11:10 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Hal StClair   United States
Messages: 971
Registered: March 2013
Location: Rio Rancho NM
Karma: -12
Senior Member
Thank you gentlemen, that's a real help. I came up with SKF 8660 or Timkin 351267 for the seals (I think). The NAPA seal kit should be a more complete solution if I foul up something pulling it apart. I'll see if the seal in the kit is the same as the two mentioned.
I have electric wipers so there is no chance of back pressure from that angle, but thanks for the tip.
Hal


"I enjoy talking to you. Your mind appeals to me. It resembles my own mind, except you happen to be insane." 1977 Royale 101348, 1977 Royale 101586, Diesel powered, 1974 Eagle Bus 45',w/slideout, Rio Rancho, NM
Re: [GMCnet] Steering box seal replacement [message #279359 is a reply to message #279345] Mon, 08 June 2015 12:45 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Ken Henderson is currently offline  Ken Henderson   United States
Messages: 8726
Registered: March 2004
Location: Americus, GA
Karma: 9
Senior Member
Just for others' information: One reason I have the electric wiper kits
for sale is because of blown steering box seals. Dan Hudson, a deceased
close friend old time GMCer, excellent mechanic, could not stop his top
seal from blowing in about 2003. He determined that the wiper motor itself
-- not the removed filter -- was the culprit. So when I mentioned wanting
electric wipers, he insisted that we get right to work on the design. He
built the first prototype I designed and installed it on his coach --
proved to be as good at wiping the hood doors as the windshield. We went
through several prototypes before arriving at the current design

Bottom line, even removing the inline filter may not eliminate the
hydraulic wipers as a power steering seal leak.

Ken H.
Americus, GA
'76 X-Birchaven w/Cad500/Howell EFI & EBL,
Manny Brakes & 1-Ton, etc., etc.
www.gmcwipersetc.com

On Mon, Jun 8, 2015 at 10:51 AM, Daryn wrote:

> Another thing to check that can cause that seal to leak is the filter in
> the windshield wiper motor. The back pressure can cause it to leak. If it is
> clogged, it may stop if you clean it out. It worked in my case.
> --
>
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist



Ken Henderson
Americus, GA
www.gmcwipersetc.com
Large Wiring Diagrams
76 X-Birchaven
76 X-Palm Beach
Re: [GMCnet] Steering box seal replacement [message #279388 is a reply to message #279359] Mon, 08 June 2015 18:53 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Hal StClair   United States
Messages: 971
Registered: March 2013
Location: Rio Rancho NM
Karma: -12
Senior Member
R&R'd the seal this afternoon. It can be done without removing the box but it's probably about as easy to just remove the whole thing. Mine is a little tight as I've mounted the house batteries on a bracket behind the steering box so I accessed it through the front. I still have the grill out so that made it easier. I pulled both lines and three of the four mounting bolts and loosened the forth to rotate the box. The seal was a little tough to pull as I didn't want to hurt anything in the box. The seal is made of some type of plastic but tough enough that it straightened a pick I was using trying to pull it. Ended up getting a screwdriver under it and popping it out.
I think the best approach may be to go through the wheel well opening and remove the liner for access. The actual work isn't too bad once you get to the box.
The NAPA kit 7367 is the way to go. About $15 and you get the seal, dust seal, snap ring and an o-ring for your collection. You can get the seal for $6 but you will most likely ruin the dust seal removing it(the seal).
Here's hoping it works.
Hal


"I enjoy talking to you. Your mind appeals to me. It resembles my own mind, except you happen to be insane." 1977 Royale 101348, 1977 Royale 101586, Diesel powered, 1974 Eagle Bus 45',w/slideout, Rio Rancho, NM
Re: [GMCnet] Steering box seal replacement [message #279400 is a reply to message #279388] Mon, 08 June 2015 21:08 Go to previous message
USAussie is currently offline  USAussie   United States
Messages: 15912
Registered: July 2007
Location: Sydney, Australia
Karma: 6
Senior Member
Hal,

If one removes the steering gear they can perform the Over-Center adjustment as per the MM.

Regards,
Rob M.
The Pedantic Mechanic

-----Original Message-----
From: Hal StClair

R&R'd the seal this afternoon. It can be done without removing the box but it's probably about as easy to just remove the whole
thing. Mine is a little tight as I've mounted the house batteries on a bracket behind the steering box so I accessed it through the
front. I still have the grill out so that made it easier. I pulled both lines and three of the four mounting bolts and loosened the
forth to rotate the box. The seal was a little tough to pull as I didn't want to hurt anything in the box. The seal is made of some
type of plastic but tough enough that it straightened a pick I was using trying to pull it. Ended up getting a screwdriver under it
and popping it out.
I think the best approach may be to go through the wheel well opening and remove the liner for access. The actual work isn't too bad
once you get to the box.
The NAPA kit 7367 is the way to go. About $15 and you get the seal, dust seal, snap ring and an o-ring for your collection. You can
get the seal for $6 but you will most likely ruin the dust seal removing it(the seal).
Here's hoping it works.
Hal



_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist



Regards, Rob M. (USAussie) The Pedantic Mechanic Sydney, Australia '75 Avion - AUS - The Blue Streak TZE365V100428 '75 Avion - USA - Double Trouble TZE365V100426
Previous Topic: [GMCnet] 16" 8 Lug Steel Wheel with 80mm calipers
Next Topic: Exhaust Leak
Goto Forum:
  


Current Time: Sat Nov 16 07:48:14 CST 2024

Total time taken to generate the page: 0.01134 seconds