Fox T-Bird/Cougar Forums

Technical => Suspension/Steering => Topic started by: 86caprirs on January 29, 2013, 09:52:53 PM

Title: Weird seal leak
Post by: 86caprirs on January 29, 2013, 09:52:53 PM
Anyone ever had the seal on the steering rack leak? Its where the steering column shaft bolts to the rack. Can that seal be replaced?
Title: Weird seal leak
Post by: mdr1220 on January 29, 2013, 10:13:36 PM
Cheaper to get a new rack. If its the seal I think it is it gets replaced when racks are remanufactured.
Title: Weird seal leak
Post by: Aerocoupe on January 29, 2013, 10:13:57 PM
i am pretty sure the auto parts stores can get a kit but from what I remember they are a bitch to replace.  You will have to pull it and have an alignment done so why not just buy a rack from a parts store with a lifetime warranty for $99 and call it a day?  If not here you go:

Couple of articles on it here:
http://forums.corral.net/forums/general-mustang-tech/642132
http://forums.corral.net/forums/road-racing-auto-x/1210428

Pretty cheap place to get the kit:
http://www.pskits.com/catalog/-c-21_32.html?page=2&sort=2a&osCsid=c26e9772a12fa74db6f0a20460a23d84

For me I would just go get a rebuilt rack and call it a day, my time is worth more to me than what this would take.

Darren
Title: Weird seal leak
Post by: thunderjet302 on January 29, 2013, 11:51:57 PM
+1 on the new rack. Mine was leaking there and I just replaced the rack after figuring it had to come out anyway.
Title: Weird seal leak
Post by: jcassity on January 30, 2013, 11:38:12 AM
if your fixing the seal, no realignment needed.
modify the head of the bolt that gets caugt up when removing the rack and it will be easy to remove next time,, just chop off the side of the bolt thats flairing out.

never noticed a leak there, since it has to come out, might as well see if its not just a loose fitting.

the banjo fittings can leak (usually dont with the rubber o-ring) especially if the lines have been disturbed to r/r a new power steering line.

i have a whole detailed description of the two types of racks made where the knuckles are adjustable for the inner tie rods (just fyi) and its in my diy link below
Title: Weird seal leak
Post by: 86caprirs on August 05, 2013, 09:32:53 AM
When I took the steering shaft off of the rack to install my 351w, I had to beat the steering shaft off. This resulted in a leak at that seal and not a small leak either. I just replaced the rack. Now should I order a TC rack or the Sport rack? Or is there any difference? I am running the TC spindles and brakes right now.
Title: Weird seal leak
Post by: TOM Renzo on August 05, 2013, 09:54:46 PM
I find it very interesting that beating on a rack with a hammer is a common practice to remove a sector shaft or rag joint!!!!. What am i missing here!!!:hick::mullet:

The sector shaft seal is replaceable and very easy to do. Now by beating on it the bearing might just be destroyed!!!! TC rack sounds OK!!!
Title: Weird seal leak
Post by: 86caprirs on August 10, 2013, 02:30:41 AM
It was seized on pretty good at that joint. I guess I should use the words hammer and drift.