Date:         Tue, 25 May 2010 15:18:33 -0700
Reply-To:     Jeffrey Vickers <jeff@VICKERSDESIGN.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Jeffrey Vickers <jeff@VICKERSDESIGN.COM>
Subject:      Re: leaking power steering rack pinion shaft seal
In-Reply-To:  <20100525180300.01AA7756A6C@izzy.vickersdesign.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII; format=flowed; delsp=yes

PS racks are really easy to do. I just did one in under 3 hours. You
will need an alignment after the install, so plan for that.

The only tool I would recommend is a pickle fork. Its a big and beefy
two prong fork with a ball at the other end for whacking. Its for
separating the tie rod end from the steering arm. I would recommend
getting a PS rack with new tie rod ends on it instead of using your
old ones. If you do that then you can just use any old tool to get the
old tie rods ends off since you'll be tossing them. The pickle fork is
cheap enough and works better than wailing on it with a chisel, etc.

The rest is just undoing bolts and nuts. Start with taking off the u-
joints at either end of the steering shaft and then undo the tie rod
ends with your new pickle fork. Undo the hi and low hose connections
and then undo the four main bolts on the rack.

On a Syncro, you can weasel the rack out to one side to get it off,
but that's with that side's tire removed so I'd remove both wheels -
it'll give you more room and light.

Bolt the new one in, put the wheels back on, bolt down the tie rod
ends into the steering arms and then adjust the tie rod ends on each
side so that the tires are pointing straight down the road. You'll
need to do this so you can get to your alignment appointment without
the police pulling you over on a suspected DUI.

Also be sure to center your steering wheel when you bolt up the
steering rod (wheels straight ahead) - you may have to do a finer
adjustment by popping off the steering wheel when you're all done and
moving it a notch or two.

Hook up and lower the van just enough so that when you put fresh PS
fluid in there, (van running) you can easily rotate the steering wheel
from one stop to the other several times. Top up the fluid and enjoy
your new rack!

cheers,
Jeff



On May 25, 2010, at 10:53 AM, Automatic digest processor wrote:

> Date:    Tue, 25 May 2010 12:24:44 -0400
> From:    Greg S <sorkilmo@GMAIL.COM>
> Subject: leaking power steering rack pinion shaft seal
>
> Hi All,
>
> I just developed a leak on my power steering rack. Its coming from
> the seal
> on the part (pinion shaft?) right near the universal joint. Here's a
> photo
> with arrow pointing to the leak.
> http://picasaweb.google.com/sorkilmo/PowerSteeringRack#5475166135610697538
>
> I am wondering if it is possible to just replace this seal, possibly
> without
> removing the steering rack?
> One of the boots was always a bit wet so its likely that the rack is
> due for
> new seals all around anyway.
> I am thinking of just buying a new rack and installing it myself.
> I am wondering if this is something that a fairly competent backyard
> mechanic can do?
> Do I need to go and buy some special tie rod remover tools?
> Is this a good guide for doing the work?
> http://www.vanagonauts.com/Another-Steering-Rack-How-to212.htm
> Other than rusted on hardware is there anything else that might be
> tricky on
> this job?
>
> This is the second time this month that just after arriving home
> from a long
> trip I find something leaking. I am grateful to the Vanagon gods for
> keeping
> my repairs from being on the side of the road. I also never leave a
> parking
> spot now without first checking the ground underneath for wet spots.
>
> Thanks
> Greg S.
> 87' Wolfsburg Hardtop
> Ottawa ON