Unregistered users may browse the website, but in order to participate in the forums and view select pages (such as "Club Contacts" and "Classified Ads") a user account is required. Click HERE to email the webmaster and request a free account. The National DeSoto Club uses real names rather than pseudonyms. Notify the webmaster of your user name preference (Johnathon Doe vs. John Doe, etc.), preferred email address, and password request.
I am leaking power steering fluid from on my 1956 Firedome
It is not from the hoses and it appears under neath along the frame. Might it be from the bottom seal or from the gear box. I cant seem to see a source.
The steering works fine with no sounds, grinding, etc. What might be the next approach? Some have suggested a Lukas stop leak product. I would like to try a couple of options before considering bebuilding or changing out the gear assembly.
thanks
Mike DeLapp
Mike, you probably have seepage from the gearbox gaskets. Some of the bolts may be snugged down a little more but do not overtighten. I suspect the main cause is the mainshaft seal. It is preferable to get a good original - could be tough with 50 year old rubber. I have found very good NOS/NORS rubber parts. The seal should be replaceable but will require removal of the gearbox. You might even have to match a new seal to the shaft and the ID of the hole into which the seal will fit, which will require some intuition on your part. You also need to be confident the seal has a lip that will keep the oil in.
If the steering is not real great you may want to find a rebuilder. Make sure you have a good feel for the tools required.
The Adventurer was putting down a spot on the floor from the steering box itself.
We replaced the lower seal with frustratingly little improvement. Somehow the lower housing of the power steering unit had been scored (maybe by a prior attempt to remove the seal?) and the fluid was seeping past the outer perimeter of the seal.
We had an extra housing so we used the lower portion of the extra and now have a "mere spot" that develops over a much longer period of time.
We try VERY hard to keep the floor dry under the cars, but dang it, I think old cars just leak. 
It's supposed to be fun!
1949 De Soto Custom Convertible (project)
Tim,
Let's see...the Adventurer is now 56 years old. When you get to that age you may find that you too have an occasional leak. Ask me, I'm 55. 
Mark
