Rack and pinion Seal replacement

[Marni]

Hi all
Have a seal leak at the top of the pinion - input shaft seal. Have new seals (no 'how to' included) and the rack out. Rack is solid, bellows in great shape. Just need advice/documentation/how to replace the seals. Don't need/want to replace unit.
Any advice would be appreciated

[Vova585]

Never done this exact job myself, so can't be considered credible reference. I would try to pre-drill 2 small holes on opposite sides of the old seal making sure the depth of the drill bit will not go much more than the depth of the new seal. Using 2 metal self taping screws i would screw them into those holes once again trying to not go below the depth of new seal(simply not sure how it is built there so would not want to ruin anything). Using pliers I would try to slowly pull side by side to remove old seal. After old seal is out I would clean everything with clean rug and brake cleaner. When all is dry. I would take a new seal to the hardware store and try to find a washer which can be used to drive the new seal in. It should be big enough to cover almost entire new seal diameter with central bore allowing for shaft to pass through. Apply some light coat of new power steering fluid to the new seal and put it in with some hand pressure to start. Then put a washer and through the driver-tube(i would probably use pvc pipe 1.5 inch based on photo I would slowly try to tap it in making sure it is fitted evenly on all sides to the prior depth.

[Marni]

Thanks for the prompt response.
I'll update as we progress.

[Chuck W]

I did this a couple months back. Check out my thread HERE

I also have a link to a PDF of a rebuild.

[abscate]

Thanks for documenting that , Chuck.

OP, be sure to put 50p into the slot on your computer.

[jreed]

Agree with the above sentiment... it's a marvel how much expense you can save by reading, learning and using all the info here. Really appreciative!

[Marni]

Hi all
At the point of trying to get the new seal in. It's the right part # but looks to be a mm larger all round. The seal is very stiff. Have tapping pipe but the seal won't fit in the column. Any ideas?

[wizechatmgr]

Try lightly heating the housing with a propane torch after putting the seal in the coldest freezer you can find over-night.

[Marni]

Good Sunday all
It's gone from very rusty nuts (had to cut one off and will need to rethread bolt), bolts and all things as a result of Canadian conditions (winter, sand, salt) - (some of the videos I've watched on cars of this vintage are quite clean in the South Definitely some envy )

Anyway, after much effort including tapping, bevoling and lubricating, finally a measurement revealed the new seal was significantly - like 2mm - too large . Double checked the order and the kit was correct accordingly to the vehicle. If a mid production change is the result (??) why not include both??

This is what we need-
Steering Gear Seal (19,05x34,6x9,2) Co12012530 Corteco 34002505

If course it's the weekend so another day delay I'll post again when further along.

Btw - 98 Volvo S70 T5 2.3l
Owned since 2002
334000km

[abscate]

There were two makes of racks used on P80s, TRW and SMI. I wonder if you got that right one?