I have a 2000 XJ and after doing some work on my shocks and steering stabilizer, I noticed that there seemed to be a lot of grease/oil on the rods connecting the pitman arm to the wheels, and even on the pitman arm itself. I can only guess it coming from the steering box, and that it's PS fluid. Looking into it a little further, I felt the seal at the bottom of the box, and I was able to pick at the rubber and basically peel it from the box. Does this mean that I need to replace the whole box, or can I just replace the bushing/seal at the bottom where the box meets the pitman arm? (This is my first car, apologize in advance if I don't know what I'm talking about)

 

Start high when looking for power steering leaks. The reservoir cap, reservoir itself, the pump, power steering lines then work your way down to the steering box itself.

What seems to be a leaky box could actually be a leak from higher up dripping down and accumulating. Based off of the amount of fluid on the back of the box (where the steering shafts meets the box) and the fluid on the hose in the picture, looks like it could be coming from somewhere else in the system.

 

I would also recommend cleaning everything thoroughly (pressure washer).

Check to see if any of the lines are leaking, specifically the high pressure line and the power steering reservoir. If you clean it thoroughly, it makes finding the leak easier.

In theory, its pretty easy to do. If you live in a big city, it might be worth calling some reputable power steering rebuilders and seeing how much they would charge to rebuild the box.

Mine was only $100 and I had a ton of play in my box. The seal itself looks like it is $15-$20

EDIT:
Actually, from the pics it does not look like the pitman arm seal - it looks like it is the steering input shaft seal or somewhere higher (lines, pump, or reservoir)

 

If I pressure wash it, will it damage any of the hoses if they come in contact with the stream? Should I be cautious?

 

Id personally just use some super clean, purple power, degreaser, etc and just a regular garden hose sprayer. A stiff nylon bristle brush works well too after you let the super clean sit for a bit.

 

Sounds good. Once it's cleaned up, and I find out where the leak's coming from, is it a difficult job to do? I've seen some videos online that make it look pretty easy, except from detaching the steering column.

 

Its relatively easy with normal hand tools. Just a tight fit trying to get in to undo the PS lines. If you take the airbox out it gives you more room to work with.

 

Alright I'll look into it more. Thanks for the help!