Manual Steering Box Leaks *Update* • The Dodge Challenger Message Board

by **CraigRTSE** » 19 May 2008 21:30

Had box rebuilt about a year and a half ago. Has basically just been sitting on the car, rarely used because car is still undergoing resto. So, a few weeks ago, I noticed fluid leaking on the floor.

I looked around and saw a couple of wet spots. One I've circled in the pic; looks to be leaking out of the casing just under that hexagon shaped thing. Another I think is coming from the cover.

Anyone have experience in sealing these up? The one around the cover area looks simple, but I see there's an adjuster screw there. Any special steps I need to take in that area before popping off the cover? As for the other area, I have no idea what to do. Hopefully it's something that can be fixed w/out having to remove the whole darn thing.

by **Eddie** » 19 May 2008 21:44

Craig, that Octagon shaped cover is the wormshaft bearing adjuster. It should have been torqued to a certain spec and pre-load. The manual states it could be the wormshaft oil seal thats leaking. This can be replaced without removing the gearbox, but requires special tooling.

by **Jimiboy** » 19 May 2008 22:05

I had this leak (at the same place) every spring when i took out the car from winter storage. I guess the sealing was dry when car was not used. Because when i had used the car a couple of weeks it stopped leaking, probably because the oil was making the sealing "soft" again(?) I did try with some "miracle" cure, an additive you use in the oil (just fill some drops in the power steering pump) I thouhgt it was worth a try since i did'nt felt for remove the box and replace that sealing in the middle of the season. It worked out fine! :thumbsup:

I can look untill tomorrow what the bottle is named... (Brand etc...)

by **CraigRTSE** » 19 May 2008 23:05

Update:

I removed that big hexagon retainer nut and noticed the fluid was leaking from the threads of the adjuster plug (I think that's what it's called). They're the same threads the big retainer nut goes on. What's the best way to seal up those threads? Preferably w/out disturbing anything.

by **Jimiboy** » 21 May 2008 21:37

This is how the bottle i talked about look like anyway. Omega "917" i do not know if you can find it where you live. But it helped me get rid of the leak from the sealing in my box. If the leak is from the sealing, it could be worth a try, if you do not want to take the box apart..

I recommend to take advice from the rest of the guys. I have never restored the box. I only thought i could recommend this product if the leak is only not so big... because it helped me.

http://www.timbuckley-omega.ie/917%20pim.pdf

by **Eddie** » 21 May 2008 22:09

Craig, I would contact the place that re-built the box. Or Firm Feel/ Steer&Gear ect. I wouldnt want to place thread sealer on that area unless they OK it. I would be afraid that the sealer would migrate into the housing but it would be very little.

by **dave-r** » 22 May 2008 8:20

Now you have moved that big nut you need to go through the adjustment procedures in the FSM.

The threads should not be trying to hold the oil back. That is the job of the seal.

It might also help if you use a 50/50 mixture of grease and gear oil instead of straight oil. I find that works best in these things.

by **Jon** » 22 May 2008 13:26

I haven't done the rebuild either but though Teflon tape and or a new seal work.

by **CraigRTSE** » 22 May 2008 16:49

Thanks for the replies everyone. I called the rebuilder, and they said to clean up the threads and use liquid teflon in that area. I like the grease/oil combo idea too. I'll let you know how things go. Thanks again.