Replacing Seals on Rack and Pinion

[jmgtp]

My rack and pinion has been leaking fluid pretty bad through the passenger side bellows. This means that the end seal is leaking, allowing fluid into the bellows and then forcing its way out. The rack is a close ratio unit from a TGP and I want to continue to use it so I need to replace the seals. Now is the opportune time considering I have the engine out of the car and the rack is easily removed.

Has anyone replaced the seals before? Are any special tools required? Just how difficult is this task? I've never had a r&p apart before. Looking for any hints, tips, instructions, etc.

Buying a rebuilt rack the store is not an option. I went down that road was before and the advertised ratio rack that you purchase is not the same as the one in the box. I'd buy a 2.25:1 rack and in the box is a 3:1 which feels like grandmas Buick. That is how I ended up with a used TGP rack, which now 2 years later is leaking.

[bob442]

Just dig in, and don't use a hammer, what ever you do, don't use a hammer. I've never had one apart, but one could assume it's just hydrolic o-rings. It won't come apart unless you remove the main input shaft and im sure it only comes out one way.

I just googles it, seems pretty easy, you will just have to source seals and polish the shafts, good luck finding seals though

[jmgtp]

I removed the rack from the car. I don't know if it is worth the time to rebuild.

I'm wondering if the difference between the 3:1 rack I have in my garage and the close ratio TGP rack that I have on my workbench is just the # of teeth on the pinion. If it is that is an easy swap, I'll just put the TGP pinion assembly into the rebuilt rack. If the difference is in the rack then this won't work and I may just end up buying another used rack.

[bob442]

it would have to be the inside shaft and the pinion, which comes out as soon as the pinion is out, how ever you will have to make sure its not scored or damaged from the seals riding on it. should make for a simple swap. buff it up with some 320 emry cloth

Bob

[jmgtp]

Even with the pinion assembly removed the rack does not just slide out. It still seems to hit the stops. I've removed the part from each eng that the tie-rod joints screw onto. Anyway, I bought a used rack on ebay for a little more than the seal kit would have cost me. Saves the hassle, hopefully it lasts a while.

[bob442]

http://www.google.ca/imgres?imgurl=http://www.compnine.com/largeimg/890304GM06-122.gif&imgrefurl=http://www.compnine.com/index.php%3Ft%3D1%26year%3D1989%26majorgroup%3D06%26supplgroup%3DNULL%26catcode%3D22J%26modelcode%3DJ%26makecode%3DP%26grouptype%3DB%26modelid%3D1147577305%26uid%3D1&usg=__Qqo6kqid4gPlSMjBN2Pbyau75Y0=&h=1167&w=900&sz=50&hl=en&start=14&sig2=ZBSf53PzfYF3yNJsIQhLvA&zoom=1&tbnid=c5-rEdS7Wb5UiM:&tbnh=108&tbnw=80&ei=n-NATZCJOJOC5AaLuqzUAg&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dgm%2Brack%2Band%2Bpinion%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26sa%3DN%26pwst%3D1%26biw%3D901%26bih%3D510%26tbs%3Disch:1&um=1&itbs=1&iact=rc&dur=421&oei=luNATa-WGYH98AaN4vTeAw&esq=2&page=2&ndsp=15&ved=1t:429,r:1,s:14&tx=71&ty=43

the hydrolic cylinder (or ram) part #50 needs to come off of the housing part #1 might just thread on, then the ram will come out from where it separates.

[grandprixgtp_93]

ill get you a write up on how to replace the seals its not as hard as it looks you will need a 20oz deadblow mallet and a brass punch to get then pinion out

[Penglii]

ill get you a write up on how to replace the seals its not as hard as it looks you will need a 20oz deadblow mallet and a brass punch to get then pinion out

It may go without saying... but please post the write up into this thread, I would like to have this knowledge.

[HayesPerformance]

The seals are almost impossible to find, and the time invovled isn't worth it. Its cheaped and easier to just put a new rack in. (make sure to get one for the 3.4 DOHC for the correct ratio)

Unless, its just weeping a bit, then you could try the Lucas additive for power steering leaks.

[jmgtp]

I came to the same conclusion, it just wasn't worth it. I had already tried the Lucas oil and that just put a bandaid on it for about a year, but as of late it was just streaming fluid. Picked up a used rack for around $40.