Leaking rag joint

[tophat36]

Noticed a very slow drip coming from under the steering box. How bad is this leaking rag joint? Do you replace it or something else to stop the leak?

1980 GMC 2500

You must be registered for see images attach

 

[nvrenuf]

The steering box input shaft is leaking. Probably time for a new box.

 

[idahovette]

AND, a new rag joint

 

[Chevy 88]

ATP-205 baby.

 

[bucket]

Noticed a very slow drip coming from under the steering box. How bad is this leaking rag joint? Do you replace it or something else to stop the leak?

1980 GMC 2500

You must be registered for see images attach

As was mentioned, that's a leaking steering box. Rag joints don't have anything in them to leak out.

 

[PrairieDrifter]

Replace input shaft seal. The kit is like $15 at Napa and an easy Saturday job. Don't let the input shaft spin or come out with the adjuster.

 

[tophat36]

AND, a new rag joint

How do you tell by looking at it?

 

[tophat36]

Replace input shaft seal. The kit is like $15 at Napa and an easy Saturday job. Don't let the input shaft spin or come out with the adjuster.

Is that the only seal that could be leaking?

 

[idahovette]

How do you tell by looking at it?

It's been soaked with oil......it will disintegrate soon, plus you're gonna have it apart, you might read up on the Jeep shaft conversion.

 

[PrairieDrifter]

Is that the only seal that could be leaking?

If the rag joint is wet, yes. The pitman shaft seal could also be leaking but the input shaft seal is easiest to do and the highest point, so start there. Clean before and after, run it some more and see if there's any other leaks.

The input shaft has a seal and a dust seal, then the adjuster nut/piston has an o-ring or two.

 

[tophat36]

It's been soaked with oil......it will disintegrate soon, plus you're gonna have it apart, you might read up on the Jeep shaft conversion.

Is that conversion where the rag joint goes away completely?

 

[tophat36]

If the rag joint is wet, yes. The pitman shaft seal could also be leaking but the input shaft seal is easiest to do and the highest point, so start there. Clean before and after, run it some more and see if there's any other leaks.

The input shaft has a seal and a dust seal, then the adjuster nut/piston has an o-ring or two.

Would it make sense to just do the full rebuild while doing these? Also, is buying a professionally rebuilt box a bad idea?

 

[Grit dog]

Would it make sense to just do the full rebuild while doing these? Also, is buying a professionally rebuilt box a bad idea?

If the steering box isn’t sloppy and/or you have more time than budget I’d consider re-sealing it.
And new rag joint or jeep shaft if you have the means and need for it.

 

[Sad Sack]

ATP-205 baby.

Worth a shot!

 

[SquareRoot]

ATP-205 baby.