Recurring Seal Failure In Power Steering

Dave In Chattaroy · Mar 16, 2014

I've got 72 Ford 5000 that has blown out multiple gaskets at the base of the steering column. I was thinking that it may out of tolerance (warped) so I had it re-planed at a machine shop. It lasted about 20 hours through the winter, but just failed again.
Is it possible that there is a high pressure issue that is causing this recurring failure? Or am I overlooking something else?
Thanks, Dave

Dave In Chattaroy · Mar 16, 2014

Additional Photo

Brian Allen · Mar 16, 2014

Dave
I have not had this happen.
Just a guess, but, could this be caused by a plugged return filter in the pump? Or a relief valve allowing too much pressure?
Brian

Brian Allen · Mar 16, 2014

Dave
It looks like you are either, exceeding the operating pressure, or have a blocked return line.
Also, are the bolts being torqued evenly and in the proper sequence? Try using Loctite Make-a-gasket on both sides of the gasket.
Post back with the results.
Brian

Bern · Mar 16, 2014

A few things:

1) Those gaskets were always prone to failure until NH came out with the rubber edge molded gaskets. Then the problems went away. Problem is, they don't make them anymore.

2) The bolts holding that plate on are 3 different lengths. Be sure to make sure you have the right bolts in the right holes.

3) If you had that plate machined, you might not have any more end play in your output shaft. Be sure to check that before you put it back together. Having preload in that shaft won't help matters any.

kyhayman · Mar 16, 2014

Went through that multiple times on my 5600 this
year, to the point I always bought a 2 pack. The
last time I replaced the relief valve in the pump.
Pump was an A and I aftermarket and I did a little
rough machining to get the OEM valve in it. That
plus I changed to NAPA power steering fluid
(thinner) as opposed to hydraulic oil. It seemed
to have lowered system pressure enough for it to
work. last year 11 gaskets in 87 hours of use.
This year, 165 hours on one gasket and still
holding, knock on wood.

souNdguy · Mar 17, 2014

in addition to what's been said.

I'd run atf in the ps...

Dave In Chattaroy · Mar 18, 2014

I greatly appreciate all the feedback. I reassembled this on Sunday and only started it long enough to back it in the barn. I ordered a new filter and will switch to a lighter weight fluid. Also glad to hear that this seems to be a bit of a chronic issue and I don't just suck as a wrench! :lol:
I'll post back how it turns out.
Dave

Recurring Seal Failure In Power Steering

Dave In Chattaroy

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Dave In Chattaroy

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Brian Allen

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Brian Allen

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Bern

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kyhayman

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souNdguy

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Dave In Chattaroy

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