Replacing power steering seals on a 70's car

[TJ Hopland]

I was evaluating this years leaks on the 73 and pretty much the entire power steering pump looks wet as well as both shafts on the steering box itself.   Everything seems to be tight and working fine so I kinda hate to take the gamble on the quality of current replacements parts.   That makes me wonder how difficult is it to just replace the seals and what are my chances of being leak free when I am done?  I have the pullers and plenty of other tools just wondering if its worth the trouble or if I should swap em out.       

[Scot Minesinger]

I just rebuilt a 65 PS pump and it is similar.  The rebuild kit is decent, except it often provides the wrong shaft seal size, so be prepared for that (check size before removal, do not damage existing, plan for a trip to NAPA, and etc.).  I got mine from Rock Auto for low cost.

I know what you mean about buying a replacement - they stink, and usually work but are very noisy.  I would rebuild one that works well but leaks rather than replace simply because replacements are often so bad.

["Cadillac Kid" Greg Surfas 15364]

TJ,
I would not hesitate to use a high quality rebuilt (Cardone) pump, although the pump is easily resealed, but ive had a lot of grief with rebuilt steering boxes from Rock Auto who uses cardone and other good rebuilders.  After going through 3 "rebuilt" boxes the frame and alignment shop (very very good and conscientious) I use re-sealed the box themselves.  The owner has a billion years of experience on HD trucks and he comes from the day that shops did this work themselves.  You are gong to need a few special tools and if you follow the FSM procedures and don't try and rush it it not a monumental task.  A big issue is wear to the input and output shafts themselves, but you can only determine that after the box is apart.
Greg Surfas