Is it possible to change a rack and pinion seal on a 99 z-28,or doyou have to replace the whole unit? It's leaking from under the boot on the drivers side. I assume there is a seal under the boot but didnt want to tear in to it if Im gonna have to replace the unit anyway.

 

if you plan on keeping the car for a long time more, change the whole unit, maybe a rebuilt one?

 

Yeah I plan to keep it forever. I thought thet mabey I could just change the seal since it just started leaking and I've never let it get low on fluid. I work for a company that rebuilds electric motors and gear boxes so a seal will be easy to come by. I just need to know if any one has ever done this and if it reqires the whole unit to be torn apart.

 

i see.. well from my experience it was always a good idea to change the whole thing since you dont know when something else will start leaking. as for rebuilding it, i only owned a z28 for a week and change and counting so cant help ya there... good luck!

 

Thanks It just sucks to spend $135 to change the unit when I can get most any seal for around 15 bucks But I guess I gotta do what I gotta do.

 

We used to replace the main seals around the pinion all the time. We had it down to art form. I could a remove/reseal/reinstall a rack in a hour twenty minutes but for some reason leaking end seals ment replacment rack. Even under warranty GM said if the ends leak replace it. I have not turned wrenchs for a living for a long time so there may be some type of kit out there now but back in the day there was no options.

Make sure you get the right one. I think all the LS1's had the close ratio rack. If you get the standard rack you will not like the differents.

 

^^^ I don't think much has changed. I've called all the local parts houses and none of them carry any type of replacement seal. So It looks like I'm gonna have to change the whole thing. Oh well, such is life. Thanks for the help tho.

I'm starting to belive that Gorn is the Yoda of CF

 

Another thing to consider is the overall age and mileage on the rack. A small external leak doesn't necessarily affect the operation, unless the fluid runs out. But as the rack starts to wear out, as they do, internal leaks makes it harder to steer the car, and it can develop "morning sickness" where the steering doesn't want to work very well at all until it warms up. If it's starting to leak, it's starting to wear out.

 

Lol i think to too

 

THIS SUCKS!!!!! So I looked up my rack an pinion online to order a new one and found out they have two units for the z-28. The first is for "firm ride and handling" option code(F41) $175 The other is for "ride and handling" option code(FE2), "special ride and handling" option code(FE4) ,and "heavy duty" code (FE7). this unit is $265. My question is,whats the diffrence? Is the ratio diffrent, or is one unit just more heavy duty? BTW my car is the FE2. Dose anyone know the pros and cons of these two units?