Power steering shaft seal

thethee

Senior Member
Joined
Feb 13, 2021
Messages
1,285
Reaction score
1,505
Location
Netherlands
Okay just one more for now

Among other things, my power steering pump is leaking badly. I replaced the large O ring on the reservoir, hoping that would be enough, but unfortunately the shaft seal is shot as well. I'm stumped as to how to change it, the FSM mentions several specialist tools but I think those are hard to come by. Also, it says not to just press the seal and pulley in place as this will result in serious damage to the pump. Can this be done without the tools mentioned in the FSM? Anyone got some tips or tricks for me?

It's a federal (1.06) pump.
Thanks in advance!
 
If I recall correctly, that seal slips into the housing. Might need a sharp awl to get it pried out, or at least started to some out. Then, use a socket to tap the new one in, squarely, until it seats. There probably is a metal housing which contains the seal.

The SIDE issue is that there might also be a shallow groove worn in the pump's shaft where the old seal wore and sealed against. It could well be that just a new seal might not really fix things, as it might on a shaft without any wear on it. It might ALSO be that the replacement seals compensate for this, moving the seal's lip a bit to get to an un-worn adjacent area on the shaft for best results?

The old Klymer (sp) brand of service manuals were usually good about showing people how to use more common tools to do repairs without the need for the FSM-specified "special tools" to do them. I might add, FSM-spec special tools which have been out of production for a very long time, now. Like the similar Chilton model and year-specific manuals, they can be more generic in their scope, so that has to be considered, too, in using them.

These are just my own suspiciions of how to do the repair, as I've not done it myself, just sold the parts to do them. So . . .

Just some thoughts,
CBODY67
 
I figured something like this, I'll just have to try and see how far I get since how it is now it won't hold fluid level above the shaft..
 
You usually need one of these universal pulley installer/remover tools to service the power steering pump. The exception would be the pumps that use a nut to retain the pulley.

Pulley Puller and Installer Power Steering Pump Remover Alternator - 13PC Kit 19 | eBay

s-l1600.jpg


Jeff
 
I forgot about this one a bit, but I pulled the PS pump and got the rebuild kit so should be good to go this weekend. This seems like a good time to flush the system and put in fresh fluid. Only problem is I'm having trouble finding the right oil. What can I use as a modern equivalent for Power Steering Fluid p/n 2084329, preferably an ISO or DIN specification so I can get it locally? FSM is pretty clear to not use ATF.
 
GM PSF, which used to be USA GM #1050017 (quart) back in the 1980s will work just fine as that's what I used for decades. Google it and it should give you a more recent part number, which will be in the ACDelco Chemical line. Which you might be able to source an equivalent of in your region, from other makers.

In my research last weekend, I discovered three Chrysler specs, but one for the 1986 and prior ps systems. MS-1872. The later pre-1998 spec MS-5931F equated to the GM PSF 9985010, it seems?

In looking at variants, it might be easier to find a fluid that mentions "GM" as an application rather than Chrysler, by observation. The prior GM 1050017 and the Chrysler fluid of the 1970s looked to be the same fluid. Clear and waxy, by observation My experience also indicated to NOT use Dexron ATF in its place. The rubber in the hoses (back then) and possibly o-ring seals didn't like it, allowing seeps through the hoses and at the fittings. Getting that "red stuff" out of the system stopped the seeps and such, although the pressure hose failed one day later on. On the cars we bought new (GM or Chrysler) and used the spec'd psf, NO issues with hoses or leaks or seeps, after well past 150K miles.

Back then, it used to be acceptable to top-off with atf, but if the system has a leak, the continued top-offs will soon result in a system with the non-approved fluid in it. The viscosity of the psf and atf might be similar, but it;s the additive package in it and how that interacts with the rubber in the system that is important. Apparently, they are spec'd for genuine PSF (which Chrysler and GM have had since 1961 in GM's case!) for best results.

Just my experiences,
CBODY67
 
FWIW, every leaking Mopar power steering pump I've ever come across was full of red ATF.

It might have been that it started leaking and the replacement was ATF, I don't know... All I know was the red stuff was all over the ground and getting worse.
 
I bought Mopar power steering fluid at the local Chrysler dealer (040) just a couple of years ago.
You might give that a shot if you are willing to spend a couple of Euro's extra, that is.

QIiNwn7.jpg
 
Last edited:
GM PSF, which used to be USA GM #1050017 (quart) back in the 1980s will work just fine as that's what I used for decades. Google it and it should give you a more recent part number, which will be in the ACDelco Chemical line. Which you might be able to source an equivalent of in your region, from other makers.

In my research last weekend, I discovered three Chrysler specs, but one for the 1986 and prior ps systems. MS-1872. The later pre-1998 spec MS-5931F equated to the GM PSF 9985010, it seems?

In looking at variants, it might be easier to find a fluid that mentions "GM" as an application rather than Chrysler, by observation. The prior GM 1050017 and the Chrysler fluid of the 1970s looked to be the same fluid. Clear and waxy, by observation My experience also indicated to NOT use Dexron ATF in its place. The rubber in the hoses (back then) and possibly o-ring seals didn't like it, allowing seeps through the hoses and at the fittings. Getting that "red stuff" out of the system stopped the seeps and such, although the pressure hose failed one day later on. On the cars we bought new (GM or Chrysler) and used the spec'd psf, NO issues with hoses or leaks or seeps, after well past 150K miles.

Back then, it used to be acceptable to top-off with atf, but if the system has a leak, the continued top-offs will soon result in a system with the non-approved fluid in it. The viscosity of the psf and atf might be similar, but it;s the additive package in it and how that interacts with the rubber in the system that is important. Apparently, they are spec'd for genuine PSF (which Chrysler and GM have had since 1961 in GM's case!) for best results.

Just my experiences,
CBODY67

These numbers helped a lot, I found a Dutch company called 77 Lubricants and their PSF is in accordance with Chrysler MS-1872, MS-5931 and GM 9985010. It's on its way and with some luck will be here this weekend as well.

Oh and it's green so future leaks are easier to diagnose as well
 
FWIW, every leaking Mopar power steering pump I've ever come across was full of red ATF.

It might have been that it started leaking and the replacement was ATF, I don't know... All I know was the red stuff was all over the ground and getting worse.
You guessed it, this one is no different, unfortunately. Well, except, this one was far from full...
 
Okay, sit-rep.

Couldn't find one of those power steering pulley remover/installer locally unfortunately so had to order one online. Was a little hesitant but since it would probably be a single use for me I just got a cheap one from Amazon, even though there were several negative reviews. How bad could it be. Finally arrived this morning. Last couple of days I had been soaking the pulley in some penetrating oil. Wasn't feeling really confident with first assembly of the tool so decided to apply some heat as well. After a few cranks it scared the crap out of me when it let out a loud snapping sound, what did I break? All the threads were still okay so tried it again. Kept making the sound every turn and it took me a while to realize it was just the pulley slipping on the shaft. All is good, pulley seperated and leak definitely found the leak. Not only did the rubber completely separate from the seal housing, it was petrified and crumbled in my hands. Just need to remove old seal housing, install new seal, flush system and I'm good to go.

Just to be sure, which way do I install the new seal?
upload_2021-4-12_17-18-25.png
upload_2021-4-12_17-18-44.png


The one on the left, correct?
 
Also, according to my FSM there should be another small o-ring somewhere. It was in my repair kit, but I can't find the old one. Does anyone know where this one goes?

upload_2021-4-12_18-32-6.png
 
Replacing al the seals in this power steering pump has been an absolute PITA, but it is finally back together again. This had better work perfectly now and not spill a drop as I really don't want to go through that again.
 
Wanted to share my progress with you guys. There is still plenty to do, but for the first time in months she can move on her own again. I couldn't be happier, what a way to start the week.

upload_2021-4-19_17-36-15.png
 
Okay, sit-rep.

Couldn't find one of those power steering pulley remover/installer locally unfortunately so had to order one online. Was a little hesitant but since it would probably be a single use for me I just got a cheap one from Amazon, even though there were several negative reviews. How bad could it be. Finally arrived this morning. Last couple of days I had been soaking the pulley in some penetrating oil. Wasn't feeling really confident with first assembly of the tool so decided to apply some heat as well. After a few cranks it scared the crap out of me when it let out a loud snapping sound, what did I break? All the threads were still okay so tried it again. Kept making the sound every turn and it took me a while to realize it was just the pulley slipping on the shaft. All is good, pulley seperated and leak definitely found the leak. Not only did the rubber completely separate from the seal housing, it was petrified and crumbled in my hands. Just need to remove old seal housing, install new seal, flush system and I'm good to go.

Just to be sure, which way do I install the new seal?
View attachment 452935View attachment 452936

The one on the left, correct?
My guess would be the photo on the left but I would install it in the same orientation as the previous seal.
 
One can buy a power steering pump seal replacement tool set from any Autozone Store. They are universal.
 
Back
Top