Hi Docfixit, I've used your trick before and it works very nicely, but let me add a tidbit.
The seal is most likely leaking due to wear in the pitman shaft bushing. I found the first one when my new seal started leaking within a week of replacement.
Start the engine and have someone turn the steering wheel back and forth about 1/8 turn. If you look very closely, you will see the pitman shaft move sideways a little. Once it reaches the end of its travel, it will start to turn. This also leads to steering wander, but not as bad as a worn track bar. A new seal will not be a permanent cure for this leak. The gearbox must be replaced unless the bushing is available from the dealer or a rebuilder. I never looked for a source.
Caradiodoc
Sunday, April 12th, 2009 AT 3:56 AM