John57

Thanks Ben! Not sure I would have though of that, are you saying one of the bolts that holds the pinion assembly to the axle might also act as a drain? Additionally does anyone know what replacement oil I should use that's currently available? I am assuming I may not be able to get it all out so compatibility should be considered as well. Thanks much! John

Thanks Rusty, unfortunately there is not, only the one to fill.

Are these stiil available? Old post I know....

Hi Jim, I realize this is an old post, but do you have any 1957 Buick parts remaining? PS I grew up in MIchigan!

Any thoughts on evacuating and topping up rear differential gear lube? Not sure if or when fluid was addressed prior, its full but thinking about getting out what I can through the plug with suction and adding new. If I do this what specific fluid should I use? Just looking for thoughts or recommendations. Once again, many thanks! John

Greetings All, Just wanted to provide a quick update on my steering leak. It did turn out to be the control valve end cap, this is the disk just below the hose connections in the image above. I was able to remove the control valve only and disassemble and examine on the bench. This end cap has an o-ring and is held in by a snap ring. This o-ring did have a split or crack through the cross section when flexed and was more brittle than the other seals. The control valve has 7 seals in total, I was able to replace 6 of 7 since I was in there. The 7th o-ring is inside the spool and the manual suggests it can be disassembled once due to a nylon pin, since there was no known issue with that component I left it alone. It took 5 part numbers to address the 6 o-rings needed. Many thanks to Emtee for the suggestion to source individually rather than buying an expensive seal kit. I was able to identify them myself and ordered on line. For $18.00 and change I was able to buy in bulk (200+ o-rings in total -lol) including shipping. Everything was reassembled and the car was road tested yesterday and all is dry! Many thanks to all for your help, input and suggestions. Although I ended up with a lot of o-rings this was a very low cost repair that was satisfying and effective. Hopefully this can help others if they run into a similar failure. Again, many thanks to all for the support. John

Great suggestion Starfire, will definitely save this link good to have this as a source if needed, many thanks!

Thanks much Ransomeli- much appreciated

Thank you, good thought. Any products you recommend? Have not used any such prior. Many Thanks! John

Thank you Emtee! I will study this thoroughly, looks to be great information Many thanks! John

Thanks Bhigdog, good thought may have to seek out orings as you suggest.

Yes! Tight for sure, hoping I can leave the gear mounted and remove just the control valve to replace orings. Hoping someone on here has done it and can shed light. Also need to find seals needed, so far not seeing much.

Okay, upon further investigation I’m pretty sure the leak is coming from the control valve directly below the hose connections. I am certain it’s not the hoses but rather the end cap held in by a snap ring and it appears there are one or more orings inside. Has anyone dealt with this? Any idea where parts can be located? Many thanks for all the help.

Will do, thank you Emtee. Have to see if I can get some pics as well, pretty tight area.

Will do, pretty difficult to access the area. Think I’ll try some brake clean and observe, thanks for your reply Bob!