Packard Forum Index » V-8 (1955-56)

The power steering on my 55 400 leaks like a sieve. Does anyone rebuild them? A replacement from Kanter is a little out of reach, although the repair kits are not. How difficult it installing the kit?

Will a Stop Leak such as is used in engine oil swell the seals or will it gum up everything?

Any thoughts will be much appreciated.

Bernardi

packardinfo.com/xoops/html/modules/newbb ... um=3&post_id=159895#forumpost159895

in this link is also a link to the rebuild I did for another forum member.

Depends on what is leaking and whether you have a Bendix or Monroe system. A 55 400 probably has Bendix so changing seals is not terrible. If the cylinder piston rod or the pump shaft is scored or worn causing the leak that becomes a job probably better left for a rebuilder to do.

I had some success with a power steering stop leak but mine was only a few drops from the piston rod. If yours is a sieve then I doubt the stop leak will help.

I've had good luck with Lares. Not cheap, but my time is worth more than what they charge, especially when it comes to the frustration of potentially having to do the job twice if I were to try to rebuild components myself. And the major plus is that they warranty their rebuilt components for as long as you own your car.

Each of the three main components comes in at around 220 a piece for a rebuild, most requiring you to send in your component to have it rebuilt.

If you can, I'd recommend purchasing the return & rebuild service through RockAuto...you'll save some money that way, and that's what they recommended to me when I called them originally.

Thank you one and all for your suggestions. I believe the order in which I'll attack the problem is -
1. Lucas Power Steering Stop Leak
2. A kit from Kanter with instructions from the suggested site
3. If I screw the rebuild up, go to Rock Auto and pay the piper.

I have high hopes that eventually I can park the Packard in my driveway without having little (or big) spots of dripped fluid.

Bernardi

The Eaton pumps are easy to re seal, never seen one that was bad inside. Seems like the Stude website has a post that detailed the procedure.