Power Steering Gear Grease Seepage From Around Sector (Output) Shaft (Install New Sector (Output Shaft Seal)

Some customers may comment on what appears to be fluid seepage from around the power steering (PS) gear sector (output) shaft. Typically this seepage appears as a wetting condition around the sector (output) shaft area of the steering gear and, in severe cases, may result in a dripping condition.

Poor sealing capability of the dust cap may result in the grease, utilized for steering gear bearing lubrication, to weep past the dust cap resulting in the wetting condition. This condition is only a cosmetic issue and does not in any way affect the performance of the vehicle steering gear.

Install new seals and cover contained in P/N 88892856, Cover Kit, following the service procedure below.

1. Position the front wheels and the steering wheel of the vehicle straight ahead.
2. Tilt the vehicle cab forward and lock in position.
3. Mark the position of the pitman arm on the sector (output) shaft of the steering gear.
4. Remove the pitman arm nut and discard.

Notice: Do not hammer on the pitman arm, steering gear sector (output) shaft or puller. Damage to the pitman arm or steering gear may result.

5. Using J 39256, Pitman Arm Puller, remove the pitman arm from the sector (output) shaft.
6. Carefully pry both the steering gear sector (output) shaft outboard dust cap and the housing inboard dust cap out of the steering gear housing and discard.
7. Wipe both the inboard and outboard housing faces clean of any excess grease.



8. From Cover Kit, P/N 88892856, remove the parts indicated below for usage in this repair:

•	The shaft nut (6)

•	The dust seal (4)

•	The stop ring (3)

•	The seal (2) (2 pieces)

•	The plug (1)

•	The grease tube

9. Apply a thin film of grease to the inner groove of the dust seal (4) and to both faces of the seals (2).
10. Assemble the dust seal (4) and one of the seals (2) to the stop ring (3) as shown in the figure.
11. Position the assembly over the sector (output) shaft. Align the seal tab with the groove in the steering gear housing and press the assembly into the housing until the stop ring is flush with the housing.
12. Assemble the seal (2) to the plug (1) as shown in the figure.
13. Position the assembly on the inboard surface of the steering housing with the seal tab aligned with the groove in the steering housing.
14. Press the assembly into the housing by hand until the plug is flush with the housing.
15. Align the position marks on the pitman arm (5) and the sector (output) shaft and install the arm onto the shaft.
16. Install a new pitman arm nut (1) with the flange facing outward.

Tighten
Tighten the nut (1) to 370 N·m (275 lb ft).

17. Stake the pitman arm nut (1) to the sector (output) shaft.
18. Lower and lock the cab.

Parts are currently available from GMSPO.

For vehicles repaired under warranty, use: