Steering Gear Seal: Service and Repair

Removal Procedure

- Tools Required
- J6278 Pitman Shaft Bearing Remover
- J4245 Internal Snap Ring Pliers

1. Raise the vehicle. Support the vehicle with suitable safety stands.
2. Mark the position of the Pitman arm to the pitman shaft.
3. Remove the Pitman Arm. Refer to Pitman Arm Replacement in Steering Linkage (Non-Rack and Pinion).
4. Drain the power steering fluid from the system.
5. Remove the pitman shaft and side cover. Refer to Steering Gear Pitman Shaft and Housing Cover Replacement - Off Vehicle (700 Gear)
6. Clean the exposed end of the pitman shaft.
7. Clean the steering gear housing.
8. Use a wire brush to clean the pitman shaft splines.
9. Remove the dust seal (1).
10. Remove the retaining ring using J4245.

Important: Use care not to score the steering gear housing bore when prying out the seals and the washers.

11. Use a screwdriver to pry the backup washer (3) and the double lip seal (2) from the steering gear housing (1).
12. Inspect the steering gear housing (1) for burrs.
13. Remove the steering gear housing (1) if necessary.

14. Insert the J6278 through the hole in the top of the steering gear housing (1).
15. Drive out the needle bearing (2).

Installation Procedure

1. Coat the double lip seal (2) and the washer (3) with grease.

2. Install the needle bearing (2) to the steering gear housing (1) using J6278.

3. Install the double lip seal (2).
4. Install the backup washer (3).

5. Install the retaining ring using the J4245.
6. Install the pitman shaft and the side cover. Refer to Steering Gear Pitman Shaft and Housing Cover Replacement - Off Vehicle (700 Gear)
7. Install the dust seal (1).
8. Install the Pitman Arm to the steering gear. Refer to Pitman Arm Replacement in Steering Linkage (Non-Rack and Pinion).
9. Fill the power steering system with fluid. Refer to Checking and Adding Power Steering Fluid.
10. Bleed the power steering system. Refer to Bleeding the Power Steering System.
11. Remove the safety stands.
12. Lower the vehicle.