Steering Rack leak

tlrid3r wrote

really simple fix, there is two o-ring in there, they get hard and leak, I bought and o-ring kit and one of the sizes fit well and it worked, no more leaks. plus many more available for future jobs

https://www.amazon.com/Orion-Motor-Tech-Assortment-Automotive/dp/B07GSKKHQM/ref=sr_1_2_sspa?crid=1QOLGQ4QP3U5W&keywords=o-ring+assortment+kit&qid=1669613726&sprefix=o-ring%2Caps%2C143&sr=8-2-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUFBM0ZaQVFGVVVORVgmZW5jcnlwdGVkSWQ9QTA1NjQyNjgyOFkwNkhETElKUjImZW5jcnlwdGVkQWRJZD1BMDA3OTU0NTJDVzJCMlVWWUJKQ1omd2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGYmYWN0aW9uPWNsaWNrUmVkaXJlY3QmZG9Ob3RMb2dDbGljaz10cnVl

but you do need to loosen the rack to gain access

xlmk1234 wrote

How hard was removal of the steering rack? I have developed a very bad leak and am going to purchase all the seals you mentioned to replace the old ones. As of right now, i am unable to see exactly where my leak is coming from but i would assume it is coming from the shaft seal seeing as though it is such a common issue.

tlrid3r wrote

To me it was not hard. About 2 hours to drop. But if you have all the parts, you can replace all the seal in a hour and 2 hours to reverse the process.

I did use a quick jack.

takrdown wrote

So I was able to access the hex bolt for the coupling next to the steering rack through the gaps in the drivers side wheel well to loosen it then you can just yank that sucker out. You might need some extensions and some creativity to get there, but that's what cheap harbor freight tools are for right. Haha.

Getting it back in was a little more difficult. Make sure you keep your steering wheel centered and line up the coupler. Then I used a long screwdriver to pry the collar back together (it takes some force) and then tighten the new hex bolt the same way you loosened the old one through the gaps in the wheel.

Could you post the diy's you have and I can point out any differences?

xlmk1234 wrote

is it hard to access the upper pinch bolt on the steering shaft? and did you take any precautions to keep the steering wheel in the same position? Sorry for all the questions as ive never had to deal with steering rack issues before 😬

xlmk1234 wrote

currently looking at pulling my rack out as i have a major leak coming from whag i believe to be the shaft seal. in order to pull it, did you remove the entire steering shaft? or only the part where it connects to the rack I.E the lower part next to where the shaft seal leaks happen.

tlrid3r wrote

Yeah the upper pinch bolt is hard to access but I used long extension with universal joint. I also marked the position with a sharpie, or else steering will be off.

xlmk1234 wrote

thank you for all the info. one last question, does the entire steering shaft need to be removed even if im only removing the rack and not replacing the shaft? again thank you so much

tlrid3r wrote

Yeah the upper pinch bolt is hard to access but I used long extension with universal joint. I also marked the position with a sharpie, or else steering will be off.

tlrid3r wrote

No, loosen the pinch bolt and steering shaft stays, the steering rack n pinion gets removed to replace seals.

xlmk1234 wrote

.

tlrid3r wrote

No, loosen the pinch bolt and steering shaft stays, the steering rack n pinion gets removed to replace seals.

xlmk1234 wrote

steering wheel way off center, pulling the lower shaft out again tomorrow to attempt to realign it. any tips? i found it difficult to even get it to the point its at right now.

tlrid3r wrote

It can only go in like 2-3 different spline teeth. There is a big notch and spline teeth, which keeps some what aligned. I also got it wrong the first time even though I marked it. Just turn one teeth against the direction is off.
Also the pinch bolt can only go in if it is seat all the way

xlmk1234 wrote

got it all seated and took it for a drive. worked well but i developed another leak 😂.

xlmk1234 wrote

so my BRAND NEW pinion shaft seal has started to leak. im going to source a rack im tired of this bullshit !

tlrid3r wrote

Sorry to hear. It’s possible to damage or roll the seal lip during install. Are you sure non of that happen. If not resolved I can see it being a huge hassle.

xlmk1234 wrote

I am positive it was jnstalled correctly. i just picked up another rack and am going to go through and replace all the seals before installing. waiting for hardware and another pinion shaft seal from eai. you used the EAI 20x30x5 oil seal correct? I used it to replace my pinion shaft seal the first time.

VtecforV8 wrote

Where did you get a rack, out of curiosity?

tlrid3r wrote

Yeah that’s correct. I used that.

xlmk1234 wrote

i cannot get the steering shaft onto the new rack, any input?

tlrid3r wrote

Is the new rack clocked correctly and try expanding the steering shaft input side with a screw driver.