– by Eric Fantin – As per many previous articles, I have slowly improved my 1973 Volvo 145 wagon.
Since I use it on a regular basis (during the salt-free driving season), one area to tackle was a persistent leak from the steering gear. I would add the required gear oil frequently to keep the steering lubricated, but maintenance was called for.
The Volvo 145 has manual, roller cam type steering. It is an antiquated system, but very sturdy in the Volvo tradition.
The leak was on the pitman arm side so the steering gear had to come out. It required removing a tie rod and the pitman arm connection on the car. Next up was the steering knuckle and pulling the steering box. I cleaned and installed the new seals: One on the pitman side and one on the steering wheel side.
The cost of the parts are a whopping $3.50!! The labor cost would be another story!! I then cleaned the area in the engine bay, added a tad of touch up paint and the steering gear was installed and connected. No more leaks and it looks nice and clean!
It is a small job, but like on many vintage cars sometimes it is the sum of all the little jobs that makes the car more enjoyable to own and drive.
