I have 1973 F250 that I need a little help on, it’s a two wheel drive model that’s pretty much stock. Anyway, need some advice on sealing the return line fitting at the top of the power steering gear box. No matter how much I tighten it, seems to want to keep leaking. I even bough t a new return line and it still leaks. I tried a little plumbers tape and it slowed it down but it still wants to leak. Also, the power steering gear box is a remain as well. It’s driving me NUTS!!!
After some more research, there’s a common problem with some of the rebuilt steering boxes. The rebuilders don’t put new brass seats in the inlet/outlet fittings. They do however throw in rubber o-rings in the shipping box to solve the issue. I didn’t use the o-rings because the old box didn’t have them. I’ll have to check the brass fitting for sure but I suspect this is what’s going on. Apparently upper end re-builders like Red Head have the same issue. Knowing all of this now, I’d highly advise replacing any rebuilds while you have it on the bench. Now that I have it installed, it’s going to be a PITA. BTW, the brass fittings are like 2 bucks each, well worth the extra step!
Yep, found it. That little brass fitting in the fluid should not have that ring nest to the inside diameter, it should be smooth. Needs to be replaced! Even though this is not Maverick or Comet I hope it helps somebody someday! I've been working on cars my whole life and I still feel like a rookie, I should caught this before I installed it!
