pitman shaft seal leak

[kids mechanic]

hey guys, anyone have some info on changing a pitman shaft seal? I have a leak on my 73 charger? Thanks

 

[Domino]

hey guys, anyone have some info on changing a pitman shaft seal? I have a leak on my 73 charger? Thanks

Mine too on my '70. I looked it up in my service manual. Obviously need pitman arm puller, no biggy there, but:

1) I can't find the seal. :edgy:
2) Manual says you need a special tool to pull and install the seal. I can't find it either. :edgy:

The tool looks like a thin wall tube with external threads. It goes up the shaft and grabs the inside of the seal lip. Then you crank the bolt head on the tool against the end of the shaft to yank it out.

 

[kids mechanic]

My problem is, I dont see how to get at the seals. Most items posted show to pull a c-clip and then remove the seals. There is no c-clip it is a solid ring around the shaft. I'm sure I can get a replacement seal. As far as the seal puller goes Ive never seen the one your looking for.

 

[Domino]

My problem is, I dont see how to get at the seals. Most items posted show to pull a c-clip and then remove the seals. There is no c-clip it is a solid ring around the shaft. I'm sure I can get a replacement seal. As far as the seal puller goes Ive never seen the one your looking for.

Shows a snap ring, but sounds like yours has a spiral retaining ring. Search on mcmastercarr for an example... kinda like a flat slinky. You'll need to look close b/c a little dirt can make it look like a full ring.

If so, you just need a small thin screwdriver blade to get it started and then just work around to get it out.

Here's a seal kit...
http://auctionworks.com/StoreFrontProfiles/DeluxeSFItemDetail.aspx?sfid=92390&c=59163&i=6468246

 

[closer9]

I need to do this too. I was thinking the local parts store had the part, but is it really that difficult to remove/install the seal?

 

[hunt2elk]

I also need to do this. Must be a very common problem. I am hoping to change it while leaving the gearbox in the car this winter. I will be interested to learn if you have any problems replacing yours.

 

[kids mechanic]

I'm finding new stuff everyday, What I thought was a metal ring was actually a dust seal. After prying out the dust seal, I found the snap ring and removed it. The metal washer or (retainer was a little more difficult to remove> I followed a guys advise and it worked, to remove the seal and the washer.-(After the dust cover and snap ring are removed- start the car and turn the steering wheel, this built pressure in the unit and blew the washer and seal out) it made a hell of a mess but it worked. Then just replace the seal, washer, snap ring and dust cover. The repair parts come as a kit from Napa auto parts for $12. Hope this works for you.

 

[2quick]

I just did that job on my 66 satellite and what a pain the a$$. Had to dig out the seal with a small tappered punch while at the same time powers streering fluid runs down your arm and drips in your eye as your trying to see while prying. The metal washer was fun too, I tapped on the steering shaft lightly about four thousand times till it slowly worked its way down. After evrything was out and the rest of the fluid was drained I wiped everything clean and installed the new seal with a new snap ring and dust seal. I reinstalled the pittman arm and started the car and wouldnt you know the thing leaks worse now than before I started. Not sure what happend i'm thinking it may need some sealant around the O.D. it is metal to metal without a rubber coating, anyway so i got another seal kit today and am going to try again tonight. I like the start the car and let the pressure blow the seal out trick i will try it and let you know if it works.

 

[amigafin]

Ok, for anyone who found this link looking for how to do this: Clean everything, especially the shaft threads. Get a 1 5/16 socket and remove the nut on the pitman shaft. An impact driver works well for this. Take a paint can opener and stick it up into the rubber part of the dust seal with the bent end facing out from the shaft. Use it to pull out the dust cover. You may have to pry it with a screwdriver and move it around the shaft. Then remove the snap ring with snap ring pliers, or pop it out by working it around with a small screwdriver. Start the car with fluid in the pump and turn your steering wheel back and forth until it pops out the seal and washer. Clean everything. Remove the washer from the old seal. It will be stuck to it. Liberally coat the new seal and washer with vaseline. Stick it in, seal first, flat side down toward the washer. Drive it in with a piece of pipe until it seats far enough to get the snap ring in. Then install the snap ring, and the dust cover flat side down toward the pitman arm. Line up the front wheels and set your steering wheel for straight with the same amount of turns in both directions (I.E. count the total turns stop to stop and set it halfway with the front wheels straight). Reinstall the pitman arm as some one wiggles the steering wheel to line up the keyways. Put on the lock washer and nut and torque to specs. Fill the pump. Test for leaks and celebrate. Clean up all the power steering fluid with kitty litter. Done.