I have a vehicle that P/S fluid is leaking from this "plug" oppositie the input shaft. I'm assuming here is simply an O-Ring sealing it. Is it as easy as removing that and replacing the O-Ring?
Can this power steering rack & pinion be repaired at home?
- Thread starter Johnny248
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ls1mike
$50 Site Donor 2025
I do believe there is an adjustment in there for preload if you pull that nut out. I have never messed with it just usually get a new or remanufactured rack.
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I've never had one apart. Mark the position of nut just in case it's orientation is critical.
My guess is it's a cap, but it could have a bearing or bushing in it that supports the opposite end of the shaft.
If you can, post some pictures of it apart. For science.
My guess is it's a cap, but it could have a bearing or bushing in it that supports the opposite end of the shaft.
If you can, post some pictures of it apart. For science.
Yeah I've been following since the time it was posted. I was curious but have no useful input. Please follow up.
If doing anything for science, please wear an N95, stay 6' away (use extensions) and remember that rack can identify as an alternator if it chooses.
If doing anything for science, please wear an N95, stay 6' away (use extensions) and remember that rack can identify as an alternator if it chooses.
It's been a while, but it probably isn't that simple, there is likely a nut holding the pinion and the pinion shaft probably has seals (maybe even split rings.) attest that how the GM racks were in the 80s and 90s.
To get them back together you had to have what amounted to a miniature ring compressor.....
To get them back together you had to have what amounted to a miniature ring compressor.....
The only steering racks I've been into are GM cavalier and toyota 4runner...
The thing you're pointing to appears to be the lower end of the pinion shaft. There was a recall on the lower pinion bearing when I worked for GM. As I recall, after opening it up to access the bearing and pull it, there was no fluid loss....indicating that the seal is elsewhere, not on the cap/plug. You'll have to dig deeper into the rack.
Parts might be tough to find, and who knows what special tools you might need.
Here's an example of the lower bearing puller we used during the recall at GM (GM design was a bit different, this is better). https://public.snapon.com/a_prodannouncements_us/ukcj147.pdf
The thing you're pointing to appears to be the lower end of the pinion shaft. There was a recall on the lower pinion bearing when I worked for GM. As I recall, after opening it up to access the bearing and pull it, there was no fluid loss....indicating that the seal is elsewhere, not on the cap/plug. You'll have to dig deeper into the rack.
Parts might be tough to find, and who knows what special tools you might need.
Here's an example of the lower bearing puller we used during the recall at GM (GM design was a bit different, this is better). https://public.snapon.com/a_prodannouncements_us/ukcj147.pdf
ls1mike
$50 Site Donor 2025
I remember on my 2004 Grand Prix it was for setting preload. I wasn't sure I wanted mess with it 200 bucks and 4 hours later I had a new steering rack installed.
Finally get around to removing this. It wasn't what I was expecting. I had a pan waiting to dump fluid everywhere. Turns out it is just a cap with the bottom of the pinion, a bearing, and some grease.
What were the initial symptoms, just a little wetness around it, or enough loss to make a significant puddle and be low on power steering fluid?
I'm just wondering if the grease might be separating and it's just getting a tiny leak from the base oil used to make the grease?
I'm just wondering if the grease might be separating and it's just getting a tiny leak from the base oil used to make the grease?
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Maybe an internal leak has caused oil to mix with the grease. A very small leak.
Would help to know what it's in, but as was said by someone earlier. Strongly suspect that's all got to come out the top to replace the seals.
Not a trivial job, and harder without proper tools.
Not a trivial job, and harder without proper tools.
I replaced a rack seal without pulling the rack on a Sienna. It was a messy job and the chances of success was 50/50. But it beats an aftermarket rack any day of the week.
