• When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.

Pitman arm shat seal

Richard Cranium

FBBO Gold Member
FBBO Gold Member
Local time
12:56 PM
Joined
Feb 20, 2012
Messages
58,908
Reaction score
202,573
Location
Maskachusetts
Is it possible to change the shaft seal on a power steering gearbox in place? If so, any advice?
 
I always have done them in place , on most cars . its usually the pitman that's hard to come off.
how old is the arm , when they have been on for years I usually weaken the arm by cutting it with the torch. and replacing it after. removing it with the puller , then when you remove the snap ring at the bottom start the car crank the steering and the seal pops out.
 
Recently found lost footage of him with his trained seal

 
I always have done them in place , on most cars . its usually the pitman that's hard to come off.
how old is the arm , when they have been on for years I usually weaken the arm by cutting it with the torch. and replacing it after. removing it with the puller , then when you remove the snap ring at the bottom start the car crank the steering and the seal pops out.


The service manual shows two seals; a grease retainer at the bottom. Above that is a snap ring, a retainer and another seal. The seal(s) are weeping & does this mean that both need to be replaced and they all can all be pulled with the gearbox still in the vehicle?
 
The service manual shows two seals; a grease retainer at the bottom. Above that is a snap ring, a retainer and another seal. The seal(s) are weeping & does this mean that both need to be replaced and they all can all be pulled with the gearbox still in the vehicle?

Yes replace both.. As mentioned the hard part can be getting the pitman arm to pop off... A screwdriver will pop the dust/dirt seal, then remove the snap ring & as mentioned start the car & crank the steering wheel to full lock... But have a drain pan under it & fairly close or you'll have a mess to clean up...

I have a steel sleeve I turned on my lathe that is the proper diameter to install the seal & the length is such that I use the nut that mounts the pitman arm to push the seal in...
 
i have never replace only one . Yes both, it always came in a service kit dust seal snap ring and the real seal.
sometimes the shaft gets pitted and they still leak then it probably need a rebuild . I use a piece of scotchbrite the clean the shaft best as possible. and then brake cleaner to get all the crap out
 
Yes replace both.. As mentioned the hard part can be getting the pitman arm to pop off... A screwdriver will pop the dust/dirt seal, then remove the snap ring & as mentioned start the car & crank the steering wheel to full lock... But have a drain pan under it & fairly close or you'll have a mess to clean up...

I have a steel sleeve I turned on my lathe that is the proper diameter to install the seal & the length is such that I use the nut that mounts the pitman arm to push the seal in...


Worked like a charm. Thanks for the tips!

Now all I need is the new seal kit to come in.
 
I have a steel sleeve I turned on my lathe that is the proper diameter to install the seal & the length is such that I use the nut that mounts the pitman arm to push the seal in...

A cut off piece of 1 1/4' steel electrical conduit did the trick for me.
 
Auto Transport Service
Back
Top