MALIBU Are Steering Boxes Rebuildable?

[LT1B-Body]

Hello,
The steering box on my 78' Malibu seems to be leaking quite bad, can the box be rebuilt? Or do I have to buy a new one (which I can't find on Rockauto).

 

[JimmyCamino]

Yes they can be rebuilt. I see Rockauto sells steering gear rebuild kits. This link is for illustration purposes, don't know if this is the same box as in your '78. GM Service Manual would describe how to rebuild one. Probably advises to use a press on the bearings.

The steering box in my '80 Malibu station wagon was leaking pretty bad, so I swapped it out with one from my '78 Malibu station wagon parts car. Maybe you can find a good similar steering box at the junkyard?

 

[84dragcutlass]

They can be rebuilt for sure, although if your malibu has the saginaw gear box you would be a lot better off getting a 4 bolt steering box to replace it. The ratio is better and they are not as prone to leaking. Im not sure ive ever seen one of the early round cover boxes not leak.

 

[Longroof79]

I agree. I've replaced two of the 605 round top steering boxes over the years, and both were leakers. As suggested, replace it with an 800 series(4-bolt cover). They are a beefier unit, however, they're not all quick ratio boxes. Another suggestion is to find an earlier ('90's?) Jeep Cherokee box. You would have to replace the pitman arm for one compatible to our cars. Rock Auto is another solution.

 

[Bonnewagon]

My old '76 Lemans needed a box and I got a rebuilt at a local auto parts store for around $200. That was a while ago but I am still using that box so- yes- they are available rebuilt. RockAuto has plenty of choices.https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo.php?pk=31201&cc=1054987&pt=7416&jsn=1392