Classic/Antique Car Repair: leaking seal in power steering unit on 1972 monte carlo, snap ring pliers, sheet metal screws

Question
how do you get to the seal to replace it am surem it is the seal

Answer
I need a little more information to help solve this one. There are three seals in the system that could be leaking; behind the pulley on the power steering pump, the upper shaft on the power steering gear box, and the lower or pitman arm shaft seal under the car. The most common leak is the pitman shaft seal under the car. The car needs to be off the ground preferably sitting on body stands not on ramps. Getting that one changed usually takes a 3/4 inch socket set to get the big nut off the sector shaft. Once that nut is removed you will need a puller to remove the pitman arm (it connects the steering box to the steering linkage) off. When using the puller put the big nut back on the shaft without the lock washer until the nut is just flush with the end of the shaft. This will prevent the end of the shaft mushrooming when tightening up the puller. Once the arm is off clean the cavity in the steering box and uncover the snap ring that holds the seal in place. Using snap ring pliers remove the snap ring. Then put a pan or bucket right under the area and start the car. Pull the steering wheel hard right and hard left and attempt to use the hydraulic pressure of the steering system to blow the seal out. 99% of the time this will work. However I have had to drill a couple of small holes in the seal casing, not the cast iron steering box, thread in a couple of sheet metal screws and using the screw heads pry the seal out. Make sure that you have turned the engine off when doing this. Once the seal is out, take the new seal and head for the hardware store. Buy an iron nipple (short length of pipe) that will fit over the steering shaft and inside the steering box, and longer than the steering shaft. Use this to drive the new seal in straight. I usually put a thin coat of permatex gasket sealer on the seal before installation. Then center the steering wheel, make sure the wheels are straight ahead and install the pitman arm, tighten the big nut, add fluid and test for leaks. Good luck. Be sure to wear cloths that if need be can be thrown away as tranny fluid (power steering fluid) stinks and it is possible that you might get a bath in the stuff.