power steering

[tirechainR]

my truck which is a 01 2500HD with the 6.0L has been leaking a lot of power steering fluid. i found it is the seal that goes into the steering box that is leaking. is it hard to change that seal? has anyone else had the same problem? i tried adding fluid with stop leak into the truck but it still leaks. what would it cost to have someone else fix it, or is it an easy job. i dont have a lot of mechanical skills but am willing to try and learn.

[brad4eva]

it should be an easy fix!!!

[03chevy]

here is a chart for you

CAUTION

If the vehicle has been driven recently, the pump, hoses, and fluid could be extremely hot. Use caution when handling components to avoid burns.
If a growling noise is present in the power steering pump after the fluid level is checked and air has been bled from the system, the pump bearing or other components are defective and pump replacement or repair is required. When the power steering pump pressure is lower than specified, pump replacement or repair is necessary.
To replace the power steering pump, proceed as follows:

1. Disconnect the power steering return hose from the remote reservoir or pump. Allow the fluid to drain from this hose into a drain pan. Discard the used fluid.
2. Loosen the bracket or belt tension adjusting bolt, and the pump mounting bolt.
3. Loosen the belt tension until the belt can be removed. On some cars, it is necessary to lift the vehicle on a hoist and gain access to the power steering pump from underneath the vehicle.
4. Remove the hoses from the pump, and cap the pump fittings and hoses.
5. Remove the belt tension adjusting bolt and the mounting bolt, and remove the pump.
6. Check the pump mounting bolts and bolt holes for wear. Worn bolts must be replaced. If the bolt mounting holes in the pump are worn, pump replacement is necessary.
7. Reverse steps 1 through 5 to install the power steering pump. Tighten the belt as described previously, and tighten the pump mounting and bracket bolts to the manufacturer's specifications. If o-rings are used on the pressure hose, replace the o-rings. Be sure the hoses are not contacting the exhaust manifold, catalytic converter, or exhaust pipe during or after pump replacement.
8. Fill the pump reservoir with the manufacturer's recommended power steering fluid, and bleed air from the power steering system as described earlier.

[75K30]

Thats a great discription of the removal and repair of the power steering pump, but the OP is asking about the replacement of the seal for the input of the steering box, I thought.
This is still an easy repair.
Once the steering system is cool, the pressure relieved, you can remove the steering shaft, and then gain access to the large lock ring that retains the input shaft. Once removed, a spanner wrench is used to remove the large threaded retainer. Once loostened, the retainer will thread out. Try not to remove the entire input shaft. Place a little tension on the shaft, and remove the retainer, leaving the input shaft in the box. Once the retainer is removed you have access to the seal. replace seal, and re-install retainer, and lock ring. Install the steering shaft and start engine to verify that the box no longer leaks.
Happy driving.

[tirechainR]

hey thanks 4 the replies. i will have to see what i can do about it. i hope i can fix it with out screwing up the whole truck, anything is possible if i think to hard about something.

[jimbo543]

replace the gear.

[tirechainR]

i might if i get around to pulling it apart in the next couple of days.