[FWDLK] 1955 Plymouth P/S seal replacement.

As I understand it, the Pitman arm shaft seal can be replaced by draining the system, removing the nut and arm, cleaning the shaft, use and mark a piece of PVC tubing to establish the setting depth, removing the old seal by drilling a couple of small holes in it and threading deck screws into the holes and pulling the old seal out—first noting the depth the old seal was set on the PVC. Then clean/polish the shaft, cut a piece of shim stock to wrap around the threads and rough/exposed outer section of the arm, lube the shaft and slip the new seal in over the shim stock. Use the piece of PVC or conduit to seat the new seal to the proper depth. If the shaft is corroded or damaged in the area of the seal, one can’t expect the seal to do its job. Cleanup of the bore also makes sense to minimize leaks around the OD of the seal.

There is a special tool for this, but its functions are fairly straightforward and described above. Sure beats pulling the unit. The service manual has a section on this procedure—using the special tool. I bought and installed a pint or so of power steering goo and added it to the P/S reservoir on my ’55 Chrysler (I think they were all the same in 1955) to try and solve leakage from the upper weep hole on the P/S unit on my ’55 Chrysler. It is a viscosity improver and probably has mouse milk to improve seal action. It worked, was cheap and no downside. I had to bail P/S fluid from the reservoir to make room for the whole pint. You might try that when you refill. And turn the steering wheel to hard left to purge air from the system after refilling.

Good luck—and thanks for bringing something to the forum other than the sadly ruined cherry ’57 Belvedere. I remember trying to start a ’57 Fury in subzero weather in Des Moines in 1955. I think there was ice from the fuel tank to both carbs. It took overnight in a warm garage and several cans of Heet to clear that, but it was a beautiful car.

Rich Barber

Brentwood, CA

1955 Chrysler 300

1986 Chrysler Le Baron T&C Convertible

Date: Fri, 22 Jun 2007 20:10:45 -0700

From: Bob Moore <remoore@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>

Subject: Re: 1955 power steering leak

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Hi Chuck,

That sleeve is called a shaft saver or something like that, I had one on a

pinion one time from a car I'm trying to save, and basically- it's an

emergency effort that didn't work in this case! Is there any side to

side/lateral play in the arm? Could be a worn shaft in the area of the

seal, who knows- the kit may work for you! If the box is not too loose. I

think the problem is if you try to use the same size seal with sleeve it

wears it out a little too fast outside of design parameters!

Good luck,

Bob

(my '58 Dodge P/S box doesn't leak, just no assist!)

_____

From: Forward Look Mopar Discussion List

[mailto:L-FORWARDLOOK@xxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of Charles M. Deyoe Jr.

Sent: Thursday, June 21, 2007 6:23 AM

To: L-FORWARDLOOK@xxxxxxxxxxxxx

Subject: [FWDLK] 1955 power steering leak

Hi Everyone I have been trying to stop the leak at the pitman arm shaft for

a few years now and have installed a few seals. This weekend I am going to

try installing a new seal again with a shim that I was told would take care

of it.{ I can't remember the name of if it slides over the shaft and you

then install the seal}

I was wondering if anyone else with this problem has had any luck with one

of these seals with this shim or is there another way to repair this with

out removing the power steering unit as this is the only leak and the

steering seems to work great.

I also have an issue with my brakes I rebuilt the booster and master about a

year and half ago and the brakes work great but when I first press on the

pedal there is a lot of play I have to pump the pedal a little then the

brakes feel and work fine. Is there air in the line ? or is there some

think else I should be checking. I have a big car show in August in Stowe

Vermont and just want to take care of these few problems first.

Chuck Deyoe 1955 New Yorker