I have a 65 Belair w/ power steering. Fluid is leaking out top around steering input shaft. It doesn't appear to be leaking anywhere else. Autoparts store has replacement seals.

It looks like you have to pull the steering wheel column up or remove the whole steering gearbox to get to the seal. Anyone have experience on easiest and best way to do this?
Also - any thoughts on replaceing the seal vs a new power steering gearbox?

Thanks!
Ed

As Centerline said in another post:

"The FIRST lesson people need to learn when working on an old car or truck is to get the body and maintenance manuals before tearing into something. Remember, there's a reason those manuals were published in the first place and it was to make working on these old cars easier for the mechanics and body men of the time. Guesswork very often results in expensive damage. Why take the chance, use the manuals."

Once you have a manual for your project you will wonder how you ever did anything without it. They are indispensable for this type of work.

Thanks,
I have the manuals. It says to remove the steering column. Actually, it says to disconnect everything and not completely remove but have a second person hold it up while you disconnet it from the steering box. Seems like a hard way to me.

I've found manuals are great but sometimes experience is even better. It looks to me that removing the whole gearbox would be easier, especially for one person. I was looking for someone who has experience on this and maybe a reason why the gearbox removal isn't the way to go.