Part of the problems with the bendix power assist units are from age and moisture.The cylinders I have taken apart are usually full of rust and contaminated fluid.The pistons and rings are worn down from grinding against the inner cylinder which is pitted and rusty.After awhile, the rod seal will start leaking.Some folks report that they changed the seal,but it continued to leak.That is because the seal that was changed was the wiper which is used to wipe off contaminates from the rod.The pressure seal is down inside the seal gland and is not accessible unless the cylinder is very carefully taken apart in the machine shop and put back together with a threaded collar welded back on the cylinder and secured with a cap.The piston,rod and rings are replaced along with the gland seals.New seals are installed in the spool valve and ball studs, stud seats and other parts are replaced as needed.There is a filter in the steering pump that should be replaced after a good cleaning.If you want to check the pressure you can put a tee in line with the pressure side of the pump and screw in a guage.I rebuild these units in my shop.Merry Christmas to all!
