Pitman arm seal

scrappie · 03-16-2008, 02:05 PM

Just tried replacing the pitman arm seal on my 71 cutlass. Was not a fun job but I was able to get the rubber seal out and install a new one. The new one did not go in that easy but it did finally seat enough for the washer and snap ring to install. The problem is that is still leaking and worse than before. Any ideas on what is wrong?

joe_padavano · 03-16-2008, 07:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scrappie

Just tried replacing the pitman arm seal on my 71 cutlass. Was not a fun job but I was able to get the rubber seal out and install a new one. The new one did not go in that easy but it did finally seat enough for the washer and snap ring to install. The problem is that is still leaking and worse than before. Any ideas on what is wrong?

Are you talking about the seal on the output shaft of the steering box? If so, it's likely the shaft itself is scored.

scrappie · 03-17-2008, 05:15 AM

How does the shaft get scored?

joe_padavano · 03-17-2008, 07:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scrappie

How does the shaft get scored?

Removing the old seal?

Seriously, the Chassis Service Manual suggests using a piece of shim stock wrapped around the shaft to prevent damage during seal replacement. Assuming you were careful and this is not the problem, road dirt gets into the seal and acts as sandpaper on the shaft while you drive. Same problem with crankshaft snouts, which is why FelPro sells a repair sleeve for the crank. I'm unfortunately not aware of one for the steering box.

Jim's rare 80 · 03-18-2008, 04:20 AM

Are you 100% sure all the parts were re-installed correctly?
Just a thought.

scrappie · 03-21-2008, 04:41 AM

I am pretty sure, I got both seals out and replaced them. When installing I used a big socket to seat the seals. Two seals and two metal washers and then a snap ring.

03-16-2008, 02:05 PM	#1 (permalink)
scrappie Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Posts: 45	Pitman arm seal Just tried replacing the pitman arm seal on my 71 cutlass. Was not a fun job but I was able to get the rubber seal out and install a new one. The new one did not go in that easy but it did finally seat enough for the washer and snap ring to install. The problem is that is still leaking and worse than before. Any ideas on what is wrong?

03-18-2008, 04:20 AM	#5 (permalink)
Jim's rare 80 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Posts: 210	Are you 100% sure all the parts were re-installed correctly? Just a thought. __________________

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03-17-2008, 05:15 AM	#3 (permalink)
scrappie Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Posts: 45	How does the shaft get scored?

03-21-2008, 04:41 AM	#6 (permalink)
scrappie Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Posts: 45	I am pretty sure, I got both seals out and replaced them. When installing I used a big socket to seat the seals. Two seals and two metal washers and then a snap ring.