Steering box seal replacement

[blown motor]

I need to replace the steering box seal where the input shaft goes in. I can't get the "nut" off. How much heat can I give it? I don't want to damage anything inside.

[Mrbill426]

First you have to loosen that hex shaped plate behind the input shaft, then you use a spanner on the holes in the face of the shaft.  If no spanner maybe try a large pair of needle nose pliers.

[Mrbill426]

You (should) be able to loosen that hex plate by tapping on the flats with something soft like a brass drift and hammer or the like.

[blown motor]

@Mrbill426 I did try that. That hex plate is what I heated. Then I used a hammer and punch but it wouldn't budge. Tried a big pipe wrench on it also. Just wondering how much heat I can give that. I know there's O rings inside there but that's what I have to replace so if they get heat damaged it's no big deal. Is there anything else in there that could get heat damaged?

[Mrbill426]

https://youtu.be/fezcxdxx7Ew

@Mrbill426 I did try that. That hex plate is what I heated. Then I used a hammer and punch but it wouldn't budge. Tried a big pipe wrench on it also. Just wondering how much heat I can give that. I know there's O rings inside there but that's what I have to replace so if they get heat damaged it's no big deal. Is there anything else in there that could get heat damaged?

[blown motor]

I had found another video on it but hadn't seen that one. Thanks for the link.

[Mrbill426]

Hope you have success without breaking anything important.

I had found another video on it but hadn't seen that one. Thanks for the link.

[Rich G.]

Are you trying to replace that small outer shaft  seal by the steering coupler or are you going further inside the box?

[blown motor]

Are you trying to replace that small outer shaft  seal by the steering coupler or are you going further inside the box?

@Rich G. It leaks at that shaft. I watched a video that detailed replacing the inner seals/O rings. Last night I watched the video that @Mrbill426 posted. Now I'm wondering if I just need to do the outer seals. Can I replace them with out taking the box apart. Just disconnect the steering shaft, pull the snap ring and seals and put new ones in maybe?

[Rich G.]

I've replaced just the shaft seal because that was what was leaking on mine. I had the box off and I drilled a small hole in the metal face of the seal careful not to hit the shaft and used a screw on the end of my slide hammer and the seal popped right out. I've never taken the whole box apart. Deep socket to put it back in.

[blown motor]

@Rich G. Could you do that without removing the hex plate? I not near mine to have a look. If so I'll try that and hope the O ring inside is ok. Worse comes to worse I have to buy another kit and do it again.

[Rich G.]

I didn't take anything apart, just replaced the shaft seal. (I did have the box on my bench) Box was working fine just leaking past the shaft. I believe it's a lot involved in talking the box apart.

[Blowout]

@blown motor did you have any luck replacing your seal?  If so, any advice?  Going to try and tackle mine this weekend.

[blown motor]

It went to a shop for some bigger issues so I had them do it.