Rack and pinion seal
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 761
Likes: 79
From: Buchanan GA
Rack and pinion seal
The seal on the pinion portion of my steering rack has developed a leak where the steering linkage attaches. 1985 with z51 suspension. I hate to have the whole thing rebuilt for one seal. Can't find where anyone has attempted this repair and it looks like parts are scarce. Bite the bullet and pay $250 plus for a rebuild or keep looking at options?
Tech Contributor
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 3,729
Likes: 190
From: Custer, WI
Careful putting in a Z51 rack if you can find one. I bought one last year, because i wanted the fast steering and my rack had developed a leak. Put in the Z51 rack after flushing the power steering system as directed in the instructions.
After 12 hours the "Remanufactured" Z51 rack was leaking worse than the one that came out of the car. My car is also an 85
After 12 hours the "Remanufactured" Z51 rack was leaking worse than the one that came out of the car. My car is also an 85
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 6,192
Likes: 750
From: near the thumb in the mitten
The only commonly available seals are the boots. The seals kits and tools were discontinued years ago. The cup plug at the bottom and the preload adjuster use sealer. A cold steering repair kit if you could find one would have spool valve seals. If boots are filling with fluid you need reman..
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 761
Likes: 79
From: Buchanan GA
I would guess mine is all original. 56k miles and three owners. It's not painted and doesn't appear to have been replaced. If I were keeping this car long term I would drop the money on a TurnOne rebuild for sure.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 761
Likes: 79
From: Buchanan GA
The only commonly available seals are the boots. The seals kits and tools were discontinued years ago. The cup plug at the bottom and the preload adjuster use sealer. A cold steering repair kit if you could find one would have spool valve seals. If boots are filling with fluid you need reman..
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