Symptoms
Play at the wheel, wandering on the highway, fluid weeping from the box's seals, or a box that has been loosened by a cracking frame.
The fix, step by step
- Inspect the frame first, because a new box on a cracked rail will soon loosen.
- Disconnect the steering shaft coupler and the pressure and return lines, pull the pitman arm with a puller, and unbolt the box.
- Fit the new box with new hardware and a new or rebuilt coupler.
- Refill and bleed the power steering by turning lock to lock with the front end raised.
- Lifted trucks often get a dropped pitman arm at the same time to correct drag-link angle.
Tools & part numbers
- Pitman arm puller
- flare-nut wrenches
- torque wrench
- drain pan
Where to buy the parts
USA Standard power steering box, 1980–91 4WD GM full-sizeOffroad Design ↗Amazon ↗
2-in drop pitman arm (fits '69–'91 K5 Blazer/Jimmy)Offroad Design ↗Amazon ↗
Power steering pressure hose, 1987 BlazerRockAuto ↗Amazon ↗
Hunting a used or discontinued part? Search eBay Motors for Chevrolet K5 Blazer (1973–1991) parts →
Rated for a competent home mechanic with a decent tool kit. Confirm torque figures, fluids and procedures against the factory service manual for your VIN, support the truck on stands rather than a jack, and work at your own risk (disclaimer). Some parts links are affiliate links, which pay us a small commission at no cost to you.