EA Power steering leak - Ford Forums - Mustang Forum, Ford Trucks, Ford Focus and Ford Cars

clive45 · 04-26-2003, 02:51

Can anybody tell me if you can replace the pinion seal ( the one where the steering coloum connects to the rack). My rack is working perfectly and only has a leak at the seal. Any help would be appreciated.

My car is an Australian Ford Falcon EA 1989

Thanks

Clive

Aussiblue · 04-26-2003, 04:20

You need to remove the whole rack assembly first (disconnect hydraulic lines, remove clamp bolts (2) at upper end lower end of column, lift of column from rack and put to one side, put car on ramp or jack stand, loosen and free the two tie rod ends, remove two bolts holding the rack to subframe and remove rack). Dissasembling the bit where the seal is isn't difficult but you will need a suitable seal driver to put the new seal in. Get some sort of workshop manaul though; this isn't a job to try without one if you have had experience doing a rack before. It also helps if you know how to do you own wheel alignment (and have some basis tools to do so).

clive45 · 04-26-2003, 18:09

Thanks for the info. I have never pulled a rack apart before, but I have replaced a lot of seals etc in just about everything else. I will pull the rack out and investigate the seal. I have nothing to loose as if I cannot fix it I will have to replace the rack anyway.
Do tou think I should replace the bearing as well or just the seal.
I presume that the seal is available from Ford.
I will let you know how things turn out.
Thanks again for the info.
Cheers

Clive

Aussiblue · 04-27-2003, 06:58

I would be inclined to replace all the bearings and seals as they are not expensive and it's not a job you want to repeat. It might also be worth seeing if you can get a already overhauled exchange rack from a power steering specialist; as it might not cost that much and will save a lot of work.

BTW do not put the rack in a vice while working on it as you can damage the housing (cracking and deformation) very easily. If you can use the two chassis mounting points to bolt it to a bench instead.

clive45 · 04-28-2003, 04:48

Thanks Blue I have got the parts and will reassemble the rack. With a bit of luck it wont leak.
Who ever played with it before, they put extra O rings on each of the transfer pipes. Not clever.

Anyhow thanks again

Cheers
Clive