Service Procedures

To prevent damage to the rack and pinion boot seal during removal, the following should be noted. Slide the small end of the boot toward the rack until the groove is exposed. Place a small rubber band in the groove, then slide the small end of the boot over the rubber band and off the threaded end of the tie rod.
Lip seals, which seal rotating shafts, require special treatment. This type of seal is used on the steering gear at the pinion shaft and on the pump drive shaft. When a leak occurs in these areas, always inspect and thoroughly clean sealing surface before replacing. Replace seals only if severe pitting is found. If lip seal contact zone corrosion is slight, clean the surface of the shaft with crocus cloth. Replace only if the leakage cannot be stopped by smoothing with crocus cloth first.