I dont know what this is and it looks bad?

[wr2001]

This looks likes its leaking oil and looks real greasy so I was wondering if anyone can point me in the right direction. Theres a lound clunk when im driving over bumps/turns and i thought this had something to do with it.

 

[2TimingTom]

Yeah, that's a mess. I think there might be more than one issue here.

2wd or 4wd?

Looks like maybe the oil pan seal or crankshaft pulley seal (front main?) is leaking.

But some of that other grease kinda looks too thick for an oil leak. I'm thinking a torn CV joint boot (if it's 4wd).

 

[Buckcreekbilly]

Looks like the pitman arm needs a seal? Is your ps fluid low?

 

[wr2001]

yeah im adding fluid at least once a month..loud pop when i take off the cap.

 

[wr2001]

its 2wd limited, the mess is all the way up by the top of shock too. are the shocks the only thing attributed to loud clunks? I jacked up the wheel and there a little play grabbing the wheel from the top and bottom and shaking it.

 

[Buckcreekbilly]

Think your bearing and seal are shot in the steering box where the pitman arm connects. Depending how long, you may need to replace the whole thing, may have internal damage too. The pop is the vacuum created by pump sucking on low fluid creating a vacuum.

 

[wr2001]

dang...

 

[fangotango306]

yep yep. steering box seal

 

[wr2001]

ok so i went under and im guessing its called the pitman arm...there a 1/4 inch gap between the arm and the steering box...is that gap supposed to be there? is that where the seal is gone? should i tighten up the nut that connects the arm to the steering box until the gap is gone? thanks ahead...

 

[wr2001]

ok so i went under and im guessing its called the pitman arm...there a 1/4 inch gap between the arm and the steering box...is that gap supposed to be there? is that where the seal is gone? should i tighten up the nut that connects the arm to the steering box until the gap is gone? thanks ahead...

 

[cybergasm]

yes that is the way it is supposed to be since the shaft is only splined so far and the pitman arm is probably already tight against the end of the splines

 

[sector9]

my 91 ex did the same thing after wheelin it hard one day ended up burning up ps pump before i got home but i would say steering box