Give me your opinion

[mexicanjoe]

Before I dive off and replace my steering gear box, let me ask you this: LuLuBelle was out of work for 6 months. I replaced the clutch set, and when started to drive it around the steering was more stiff than before. Now, to my knowledge this is a steering box issue or is it? Could it be the P/S pump is on its way out? I know the box has a small leak on the adjustment nut located up top- I think I can fix that. The rest of the front suspension looks quite good and I dont want to replace what doesnt need. I lay this question before the braintrust and await your answers.

 

[Cubey]

Before I dive off and replace my steering gear box, let me ask you this: LuLuBelle was out of work for 6 months. I replaced the clutch set, and when started to drive it around the steering was more stiff than before. Now, to my knowledge this is a steering box issue or is it? Could it be the P/S pump is on its way out? I know the box has a small leak on the adjustment nut located up top- I think I can fix that. The rest of the front suspension looks quite good and I dont want to replace what doesnt need. I lay this question before the braintrust and await your answers.

If the pump is weak, it makes turning the wheel more labor intensive because it's assisting less than it should be.

 

[WrenchWhore]

When's the last time you greased the ball joints and tie rod ends? If they're good could be a weak pump like Cubey said. If the box leaking is the reason to replace it I'd just get a seal kit and do some seals on it. That's what I needed up doing with my IDI box. I didn't have money for a good box so $30 in seals got it to stop leaking.

 

[XOLATEM]

Is the fluid low or the belt slipping...? either or both will make the steering 'hard' all of a sudden...

The above other two advisers are spot-on, as well...good advice...just chiming in with what came to my mind...