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ceedub

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I have traced a significant oil leak where the steering pinion shaft enters the steering rack on my '73 B. I see in the parts catalogs that there is a "pinion oil seal" mentioned. Is this probably the source of my problem? Also, does the fix require the removal of the whole steering rack to get at the thing or could I be lucky enough to avoid this?
Thanks.
 
It's a common seal, 6205 mebbe? Not certain at the moment, but ANY bearing house should be able to match it for $5, methinks. You need to take the steering shaft out, you ~can~ get to it in-situ but it's a real 'contest'. Easier to just drop the rack out and fight it on the floor. /bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/jester.gif
 
Thanks for the info. I suspected that dropping the rack out was probably the best way. I hate bashing away at those tie rods with the fork so I was hoping for an easier way.

Cheers
 
Doc's correct - you can try pushing the steering shaft out from the top with the rack still in the car...you just have to get the front end up to a position where there's enough room for it to come out....& you have to be able to wrestle it from above which is where the trick comes in.
 
A hint, get a proper tie rod end remover. Will look like a puller, fork on one end and long screw, designed to hook over the joint the tie rod end fits into, then press it out.

When you bang on the joint with the pickle fork you damge the boot and you shorten the life of the ball and socket.

tie rod end remover tools can be purchase for less than 20 from most chain store parts houses(checker, advanced, etc.) Sears and Roebuck, Harbor Freight, Northwest. etc..

When you separate a joint with the picklefork you should replace the joint, when you use a proper puller you can use the joint over again, without worry.
 
psst!!! ceedub!!! Unbolt the short steering arms from the swivel axles... Two bolts each side.
No need to bash the balls out. /bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/devilgrin.gif
 
DrEntropy said:
psst!!! ceedub!!! Unbolt the short steering arms from the swivel axles... Two bolts each side.
No need to bash the balls out. /bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/devilgrin.gif
Click to expand...

Perzactly! /bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/grin.gif (Doc, must you give away <u>all</u> my little secrets?!)
Jeff
 
YOUR secrets?!?!

HARUMPF!!

/bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/savewave.gif
 
Whos secret, I was saveing that one.

Anyway I am oldest. LOL
 
Oh, SURE. Play th' 'AGE card'!!!

..one day I'm gonna find that photo of me in a nappy at 16 months with th' screwdriver in-hand, goin' at an XK-120 door latch!

THEN you'll see I'm not one to be dissed so easily! /bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/jester.gif
 
ceedub said:
Thanks for the info. I suspected that dropping the rack out was probably the best way. I hate bashing away at those tie rods with the fork so I was hoping for an easier way.

Cheers
Click to expand...

Don't want to mess with the tie rod ends or worry about the alignment? Take the rack off with the tie rods intact, remove the steering arm from the upright (2 bolts each side) and leave the tie rods alone.

Edit: see a couple people beat me to it, I guess I should read all the responses before I post, but this is the easier way.

Oh, I am younger, but I got a big freaking head, so I can pack alot of crap in it /bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/smile.gif
 
I will have to remember that idea next time I am messing with the rack. I never even thought of that. Of course, I am going to have to make a file and put it in my MG Stuff folder, so I will remember.
 
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