Power Steering Gear - Fluid Leaks
Number 83-T-58 Section 3 Date 10/83Subject: POWER STEERING GEAR FLUID LEAKS - 1982 AND 1983 6000 AND PHOENIX MODELS
A rack and pinion power steering gear external fluid leak on some 1982 and 1983 6000 and Phoenix models may be caused by corrosion from water intrusion past the drive pins which attach the two halves of the housing together (see illustration).
Corrosion or a "black ring" caused by water intrusion may be noticed between the rack teeth and the piston. This occurrence will require replacement of the rack and bulkhead seals.
To prevent recurrence, the housing drive pin area must be cleaned of dirt or grease and Permatex No.. 1 or Loctite 290 or equivalent applied to seal the drive pin heads. This condition was corrected in production on November 15, 1982 (steering gear date code 2-A-319) by sealing the drive pins.. When a gear is serviced for any reason and inspection shows the drive pins are not sealed, they should be sealed as described in this bulletin.