OK I've searched through a number of posts, and have come across some information on this... but is there anyone that can explain to me what exactly it is thats linking the bottom of the steering box to the engine, and why it seems to be leaking from that bottom bolt, and what I can do to fix it? Most of the posts I read were 1st gen leak problems, and I know my 79 was an oddball year so im curious if anyone has had experience with this?

Linked? As in touching, connected or bolted to the engine? That shouldn't happen,,,,,,,

It seems like the power steering gearbox is leaking out of the pitman arm shaft seal. As a minimum the pitman arm needs to be removed, a snap ring removed to get at the seal and then the seal replaced.

The steering is not connected to the engine it operates by using high pressure fluid that a belt driven pump supplies to the gearbox. The leak is power steering fluid , not engine oil.

TTFN
Mat

Thanks Mat, I knew it was P/S fluid but I just wasn't sure that was the pitman arm until now. I'll look into replacing that seal, is that similar to a generic bolt seal that I could pick up at a local autoparts store, or would it be a special order? At least it's something that is intended to wear, I was afraid the whole box was going to have to be replaced!

Dave.

You wil need a large socket, pitman puller, snap ring pliers and pick.
It is a special lip seal that is available at larger auto parts stores NAPA etc. Probably not at the 7-11 stores like Auto Zone or Pep Boys.

Remove the pitman arm , then remove the snap ring. behind the snap ring is a special washer, or 2, then the seal. you will destroy the seal driving a pick into it to pull on it to remove it. Unless you are on a lift, I recommend removing the gear box to work on it.

Merry Christmas
Mat

There is actually a GM procedure for removing the pitman shaft seal by using the pressure of your power steering system to blow the seal out after removing the pitman arm and snap ring. You should have a big pan right under the gear to catch the seal and oil that will gush out. That way you don't have to jam a pick into the old seal.

One other thing, make sure that you clean any rust off or your pitman shaft using cropus cloth or fine sandpaper. Otherwise, you could destroy the sealing lips on the new seal as you install it.

This is a link to a service manual description on removing and installing a pitman shaft seal.
http://jimshea.corvettefaq.com/wp-content/uploads/2006/01/RBGDisassembly&RepairPics1.doc
Merry Christmas,
JIML82

Thanks for the info Jim. Now I know a little more...


Merry Christmas
Mat