Power Steering Check

[Flexicoker]

my '62 Thunderbird has power steering, I only drove it into the driveway before yanking the engine and while doing so when I cranked the wheel all the way one direction it started spewing some fluid out. The only time it happened is when I cranked the wheel all the way. My question is... since I have the engine out right now and the steering box is very innacessible with the engine in, is there a way to test the box for leaks without the pump hooked up? I have a comparitively(sp?) low mileage box out of my parts car I can test also and swap in if need be, but i need to do it before I get the engine back in.

Thanks,
Eric

[ELpolacko]

I could tell you stories about changing a leaky PS box out of a running 62 Bird but I don't have that kind of time. http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shocked.gif

Best thing to do is have your low mile box checked out by a power steering gear rebuilder. Check you local yellow pages for these type of shops. We have about a dozen here in Phoenix that are capable and a few that are very familiar with that particular monstrosity. Cost me about $250 to rebuild the one I had to service and it was worth every penny not to have to wrestle that thing around my workbench after spending a day and a half removing it! Some of those shops may have the ability to test them also.

replace all the hoses while you're at it. This one we worked on had the hydraulic windshield wipers also. The folks at Thunderbird Headquarters were very helpfull in getting the hoses to me. They also seemed to be the only ones that had replacement shocks for it, may be available now from other sources but at that time getting any repair parts for the bird was tough.

[Flexicoker]

ouch, $250 is alot of green. Has anybody rebuild their own power steering box? Thanks El P

[ELpolacko]

I have before, not entirely difficult to do with some tools and a good instruction manual. See if a rebuild kit is available and if it comes with instructions. Never hurts to learn a new skill! http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

[Flexicoker]

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Never hurts to learn a new skill! http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

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Thats what I'm doing with the tranny too! http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif Thanks