Home » Public Forums » GMCnet » xxSUCCESSFUL Rescue (Steering box leak)
| xxSUCCESSFUL Rescue [message #316902] |
Mon, 01 May 2017 13:50  |
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SeanKidd
Messages: 747
Registered: June 2012
Location: Northern Neck Virginia
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I spent the day Sunday helping a new GMC owner in NJ rescue a 1976 Eleganza. PO had it for 6 years, performed some upgrades such as greasable front bearings, timing chain, carb rebuild, etc. but never drove it anywhere. It runs well, however 6 or 7 miles into the return trip, the steering box started leaking out the input shaft. Quickly drained the reservoir. I believe the top jam nut is actually for adjustable tension...can the seal be replaced in the field?
http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/data/6323/medium/IMG_2044.JPG
Sean and Stephanie
73 Ex-CanyonLands 26' #317 "Oliver"
Hubler 1-Ton, Quad-Bags, Rear Disc, Reaction Arms, P.Huber TBs, 3.70:1 LSD Honda 6500 inverter gen.
Colonial Travelers
[Updated on: Sun, 07 May 2017 15:46] Report message to a moderator |
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| Re: Unsuccessful Rescue [message #316903 is a reply to message #316902] |
Mon, 01 May 2017 13:58  |
bwevers
Messages: 597
Registered: October 2010
Location: San Jose
Karma: 5
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Could the screen filter in the hydraulic windshield wiper be clogged (causing back pressure)?
Bill Wevers GMC49ers, GMC Western States
1975 Glenbrook - Manny Powerdrive, OneTon
455 F Block, G heads
San Jose
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| Re: [GMCnet] Unsuccessful Rescue [message #316906 is a reply to message #316905] |
Mon, 01 May 2017 14:53 |
Nelson
Messages: 120
Registered: August 2014
Karma: 0
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I lost the power steering on my coach and was able to drive it for several hundred miles. Granted it takes quite a bit more muscle and you want to make sure that the coach is rolling when you attempt to steer it.
Sent from my iPhone
Nelson Wright
78 Royal
Orlando Fl.
> On May 1, 2017, at 3:41 PM, A. wrote:
>
> SeanKidd wrote on Mon, 01 May 2017 13:50
>> I spent the day Sunday helping a new GMC owner in NJ rescue a 1976 Eleganza. PO had it for 6 years, performed some upgrades such as greasable
>> front bearings, timing chain, carb rebuild, etc. but never drove it anywhere. It runs well, however 6 or 7 miles into the return trip, the steering
>> box started leaking out the input shaft. Quickly drained the reservoir. I believe the top jam nut is actually for adjustable tension...can the
>> seal be replaced in the field?
>> http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/data/6323/medium/IMG_2044.JPG
> I will ask the collective: Can the steering wheel be turned well enough that it would make sense to cut the belt and drive home?
> --
> 73 23' Sequoia 4 Sale
> 73 23' CanyonLands Parts Unit 4 Sale
> Upper Alabama
> "Every day I become more convinced that I am the only person left on the planet that recognizes nonsense for what it is."
>
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| Re: Unsuccessful Rescue [message #316907 is a reply to message #316905] |
Mon, 01 May 2017 15:03 |
Bullitthead
Messages: 1411
Registered: November 2013
Karma: 5
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Some Lucas transmission fix will soften the seals and may stop the leak well enough to keep going down the road.
Both the shaft seal and case seal require removal of the steering shaft, (disconnect the column shaft from steering box) don't know about accessibility in the coach. I replaced the seal in my Firebird with the box mounted in the car, but there were no outer or inner fenders on the car at the time.
As far as cutting the belt, mine got loose one time and I was barely able to get turned around in the driveway. Way too much strain on the steering column and steering box if the front wheels are not rolling. Driving on the highway will be manageable, but not really a safe practice because the steering response is so slow that the coach will not make any emergency maneuvers.
Terry Kelpien
ASE Master Technician
73 Glacier 260
Smithfield, Va.
[Updated on: Mon, 01 May 2017 15:05] Report message to a moderator |
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| Re: [GMCnet] Unsuccessful Rescue [message #316916 is a reply to message #316911] |
Mon, 01 May 2017 16:42 |
James Hupy
Messages: 6806
Registered: May 2010
Karma: -62
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If the wiper filter is obstructed, the seal sometimes will leak while still
good. Cleaning the filter will remove the obstruction. If the shaft is
loose to the point of wobble, the steering box needs rebuilt. If it is only
the seal, then the intermediate shafts can be removed, the seal replaced
with the steering box in place, provided some IDIOT has not obstructed it
with an extra battery tray or junk shelf. You can tell by opening the
drivers side hatch and taking a look see. Worst to worse, you can remove
the headlight and grill, and leave the steering box in place.
Jim Hupy
On May 1, 2017 2:23 PM, "Jon Roche" wrote:
> From what I have read, the upper seal is an easy fix. ??
>
> Read here:
>
> http://www.gmceast.com/technical/Wirth_GMCMH_Steering_Box.pdf
>
>
> https://m.advanceautoparts.com/p/powercraft-steering-
> gear-input-shaft-seal-kit-7095/3865282-P
>
>
> I have never worked on it. So above info is from internet, not any
> personal verified experience.
>
>
> --
> Jon Roche
> 75 palm beach
> St. Cloud, MN
> http://lqqkatjon.blogspot.com/
>
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| Re: Unsuccessful Rescue [message #316932 is a reply to message #316928] |
Mon, 01 May 2017 18:45 |
Hal StClair
Messages: 971
Registered: March 2013
Location: Rio Rancho NM
Karma: -12
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I did mine a little over a year ago. A little tight but the problem I had was finding something to drive the seal into place without damaging it. I ended up making a driver out of some round nylon/plastic I had laying around. Wood would have worked I'm sure but I do have a lathe. You might get a piece of dowel stock from the lumber store and center drill it to go over the steering box shaft.
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
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| Re: Unsuccessful Rescue [message #316958 is a reply to message #316933] |
Tue, 02 May 2017 01:47 |
Ken Burton
Messages: 10030
Registered: January 2004
Location: Hebron, Indiana
Karma: 10
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I replaced mine on the coach a couple of years ago. It was a simple job. I dreaded doing it and when I finally tackled it, the job turned out to be an easy one.
Ken Burton - N9KB
76 Palm Beach
Hebron, Indiana
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| Re: Unsuccessful Rescue [message #316980 is a reply to message #316979] |
Tue, 02 May 2017 13:35 |
Ken Burton
Messages: 10030
Registered: January 2004
Location: Hebron, Indiana
Karma: 10
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No. The steering shaft comes off and the seal goes below it. I do not remember much except I seem to remember removing one steering box mounting bolt. I know that I did not remove the box from the coach.
Check Gene's GMC site. Maybe there are some instructions there.
Ken Burton - N9KB
76 Palm Beach
Hebron, Indiana
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| Re: Unsuccessful Rescue [message #316981 is a reply to message #316980] |
Tue, 02 May 2017 14:21 |
Hal StClair
Messages: 971
Registered: March 2013
Location: Rio Rancho NM
Karma: -12
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If I remember correctly I pulled all but one of the mounting bolts so the box could be rotated slightly. Mine is a little different though with the body lift.
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
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| Re: [GMCnet] Unsuccessful Rescue [message #316994 is a reply to message #316992] |
Tue, 02 May 2017 16:57 |
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USAussie
Messages: 15912
Registered: July 2007
Location: Sydney, Australia
Karma: 6
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G'day,
It's that pedantic bastard from Australia again! ;-)
When you have removed the lower steering column from the steering gear it
would be a good idea to try and rock the input shaft side to side to check
the needle bearings.
To R&R the seal and bearings see Maintenance Manual X-7525, Section 9 -
Steering, Page 9-25 (step b.), Page 9-26 (Figure 29 & 30) and page 9-27
(figure 31).
Regards,
Rob M.
The Pedantic Mechanic
USAussie - Downunder
AUS '75 Avion - The Blue Streak TZE365V100428
USA '75 Avion - Double Trouble TZE365V100426
USA '77 Kingsley - TZE 267V100808
-----Original Message-----
From: Gmclist [mailto:gmclist-bounces@list.gmcnet.org] On Behalf Of Sean
Kidd
Sent: Wednesday, May 3, 2017 7:37 AM
To: gmclist@list.gmcnet.org
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Unsuccessful Rescue
is there a special spanner needed to remove the plug? Or will needle nose
pliers work?
--
Sean and Stephanie
73 Ex-CanyonLands 26' #317 "Oliver"
Hubler 1-Ton, Quad-Bags, Rear Disc, Reaction Arms, P.Huber TBs, 3.70:1 LSD
Honda 6500 inverter gen.
Colonial Travelers
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Regards,
Rob M. (USAussie)
The Pedantic Mechanic
Sydney, Australia
'75 Avion - AUS - The Blue Streak TZE365V100428
'75 Avion - USA - Double Trouble TZE365V100426
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| Re: Unsuccessful Rescue [message #316996 is a reply to message #316992] |
Tue, 02 May 2017 17:18 |
C Boyd
Messages: 2629
Registered: April 2006
Karma: 18
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Senior Member |
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Sir, remove the top clamp bolt and slide the steering shaft up and off, a little tight but doable. Keep steering wheel locked so it don't turn. Snap ring pliers to remove internal snapring. Pry seal out with small pic or screwdriver. Push in new seal and dust wiper, install snapring and top clamp.
SeanKidd wrote on Tue, 02 May 2017 17:37is there a special spanner needed to remove the plug? Or will needle nose pliers work?
C. Boyd
76 Crestmont
East Tennessee
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| Re: Unsuccessful Rescue [message #316997 is a reply to message #316902] |
Tue, 02 May 2017 18:02 |
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SeanKidd
Messages: 747
Registered: June 2012
Location: Northern Neck Virginia
Karma: 4
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Senior Member |
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Sounds easy enough...there is a Saginaw steering box "how to" on YouTube, but it was a complete disassembly...not sure how deep we had to go, the kit also comes with a large diameter o-ring, like it would fit under the threaded top piece. Thank you everyone.
Sean and Stephanie
73 Ex-CanyonLands 26' #317 "Oliver"
Hubler 1-Ton, Quad-Bags, Rear Disc, Reaction Arms, P.Huber TBs, 3.70:1 LSD Honda 6500 inverter gen.
Colonial Travelers
[Updated on: Tue, 02 May 2017 18:41] Report message to a moderator |
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| Re: [GMCnet] Unsuccessful Rescue [message #317014 is a reply to message #317012] |
Wed, 03 May 2017 10:18 |
sgltrac
Messages: 2797
Registered: April 2011
Karma: 1
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Senior Member |
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This has probably already been mentioned but make sure you have a pitman
arm puller. Some are very stubborn to remove.
Sully
77 eleganza 2
seattle
On Wed, May 3, 2017 at 7:20 AM, Vonda Walsh
wrote:
> Hello Everyone!
>
> It took a bit for my log in to the forum to be recognized and approved to
> respond, but I'm here now. I just wanted to thank everyone for the responses
> and help. I picked up the seal kit and fluids yesterday, so I have them in
> hand ready to do the repair.
>
> I've been following along on the post so I can also learn how to work on
> the problem with Sean and Scott. It took a little over 24 hours to get the
> insurance to approve the tow, but the coach is now safely at Scott's about
> 15 minutes south of us. He and I looked everything over again yesterday and
> found a few other items that need fixing before we attempt another drive,
> but thankfully the PO included a lot of spare parts in the sale.
>
> We are very excited to become a part of the GMC Motorhome community. I
> have experience with restoring 3 '59 Chevy Apache's with my Dad so he and I
> were in a GMC/Chevy truck club years ago with those. Even though the coach
> is an all new vehicle to me, I hope I can eventually learn enough to be
> another asset to this amazing group.
>
> Thanks again, especially to Sean, Scott and Danielle for their help during
> our 36 hour maiden voyage, ha ha!
>
> : ) Vonda
>
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Sully
77 Royale basket case.
Future motorhome land speed record holder(bucket list)
Seattle, Wa.
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