morexfiles

can anyone help with my questions below, just a few inputs would help.
I posted yesterday some questions under 72 cutlass s
thanks to all

MDchanic

Which questions?

- Eric

morexfiles

my question is, the gear box is leaking under the top plate the one that has
4 bolts and one in center. under the top plate it is leaking and I bought it used. I dont think the gasket is there and so I am thinking that I could put some good rtv sealant under the top plate and bolt it down. will it work? also which location on the top plate should I put the one bolt without the washer?
thanks

MDchanic

Are you saying that it's leaking from here?



Where did you get this steering box?
What assurances were you given that it worked?
What is the chance it has been taken apart in the past?
How much did you pay for it?

I, personally, have never seen a Saginaw box leak from this location.
There is an O-ring under this cover that seals it, and seals it well.
In order to remove the cover, you must remove the adjusting nut, which will cause you to lose a vital adjustment.

I would not recommend trying to seal your steering box with silicone or any other sealant.
There is something wrong with it, and it needs to be fixed, before you or somebody else dies.
Return it whence it came, or go get another one, or learn to rebuild it, but do not use it, unless you can properly disassemble, reassemble, and adjust it.

- Eric

morexfiles

yes it is leaking from that area. and I bought it used from a guy in my area
from a 70 chevelle and the oring is not there under the top plate.I also only paid 25 bucks for it. so I am about to go to auto zone and get a rebuilt one for about 130 bucks. I am just not ok with it right now.
thanks for your help.

csouth

I'd suggest doing a Jeep or Grand National steering box since you have to get another. You just need to change the rag joint which probably needs refreshing anyway.