Leaking steering box

[Therou]

Yesterday when I was driving home, I took a corner rather tightly but at a low speed. From that point on I had a strange sound anytime I turned the wheel left or right. The sound was coming from the front end. It was not a squealing sound and not a grinding sound, more of a groan. My first thought was the power steering fluid was low but it looked fine.

As for the feel in the wheel, it is just not quite as smooth as before. Still very drivable and the jeep responds as usual.

We are going through seasonal changes here finally, so I can rule out the typical winter noises from the rubbing and whatnot that I usually have.

That was yesterday. Last night I ran to the store and got some power steering fluid and filled it up as it appeared to have leaked most of it out and was now low. This morning when I drove to work it was feeling like more of a whine like you would here from a gear and there was a knock when the steering wheel was returned back to the straight position. As for leaking today, it dripped a few drops when I got to work but nothing after I put a catch basin under it and same now that I am at home.  I did a bit of reading and I fear that I may have a steering box that is finally dying.

If that is the case where should I take my jeep in Calgary to get it done? I normally do all my own repairs and replacements however all of my tools are in Edmonton at this time. If it is a short job replacing it, is it worth driving up to Edmonton to do it myself? Or is that too much of a risk to do the drive? It seems to be drivable as of 15 mins ago.

I am glad to be back on the forum again. It appears I was deleted due to inactivity at some point. Thanks for any ideas you guys and gals have.

[AV.NINE]

Take it to Chanda Precision, just off blackfoot. That's Jasons shop (lemon aid jay on here) best mechanic I know in calgary. Plus you get to look over his new inventory.... Eye candy for us jeepers.

[tubby]

I'm not a big fan of "mechanic-in-a-can" type additives but give Lucas Power Steering Additive a shot to hopefully slow the leak you currently have. My power steering box has been bleeding since November, and I needed a quick fix until I could replace my worn box out. My reservoir was completely dry so I used the whole bottle(like $8? from Crap-tire), and my steady leak is down to a trickle each week. I've put the replacement off since my steering is back to normal now.

I would check your power steering lines first for leaks before I would take the Jeep on a major roadtrip, but you should be fine. It's probably worn/dry seals. The Lucas helps to soften the seals(stuff is like syrup). I replaced a box last year for a friend (XJ)and it wasn't labour intesive or needed special tools; so you should be fine to replace your box on your own with a repair book as a good reference.

Hell...my transmission is like 90% Lucas and 10% gear oil and it's still shifting like butta after 423,300 kms. If only Lucas made a marital aid...

[Therou]

Yeah the lines looked leak free. I plan to hit the car wash first and shampoo the box so I can be sure where the leak is coming from. I was also planning to grab the fluid with the stopleak, wish I had grabbed that bottle last night instead.

As for the replacement Stu Olson has a great writeup on how to do it.

I may swing by Jason's shop if time permits. Been looking for a good shop.

Thanks

Go Canucks!!!

[afb]

My truck leaked a bottle of juice a day from the box and after I added the lucas stuff it was gone. It's just like engine honey, it is so thick it doesn't go past the seals.

[LEMON-AID JAY]

If you get the time feel free to swing by and we will see whats going on