Steering: Leaking steering box

[Dads Baby]

I noticed a small puddle on the floor directly under the Master Cylinder on my Packard Hawk. I immediately assumed it was the MC. I got the car up in the air and slid under to investigate. Turns out the fluid is coming from the steering box and the drips are traveling down the frame rail to the lowest point of the frame which is under the MC.

It looks like there is a plate on the bottom of the steering box that is leaking all around its edges. Can I just replace that gasket without removing the steering box from the car? Is that gasket available or should I just make my own? What is behind that plate? Anything going to jump out at me if/when I remove the plate? I know I will have to drain the power steering pump/resorvoir, but what else?

[StudeRich]

OK it's a Saginaw Integral Power Steering Box.
It depends on which part of the Box is leaking, the actual Steering Gear Box has thick semi-fluid Grease inside not Power Steering, thin Red Fluid.

Is the Oil Red or Brownish?

[StudeRich]

If Red, it could be just a loose or leaking P/S Hose.

[Dads Baby]

Yes, it's a Saginaw. But I would not know the difference. It is brownish. Definitely not red. Why would it all of a sudden ooze enough to drip? I can get a picture tomorrow if that would help. The plate can be seen from underneath the car.

[bezhawk]

The plate is part of the sliding rack inside. That is lubed by heavy gear oil. Howevern the "power assist cylinder is attached to that internally and is powered by the pump on the engine. The seal between the two can leak into the mechanical part and force out fluid. Also, the pitman arm also had a seal and the "plate" does have a gasket under it too.