Rack and Pinion Rebuild - Backwards Seal and Damaged Control Valve Teflon Ring

Suspensionadvanced✓ OP Confirmed

Problem

After rebuilding the rack and pinion, power steering fluid was leaking into the air crossover circuit between the bellows. After fixing the leak, the steering would automatically power-steer hard to the left and felt easy turning left but firm turning right.

Power steering fluid leaking into the air circuit connecting the side bellowsFluid visible in the air crossover pipe between bellowsAfter seal fix: steering automatically turns hard left on its own while idlingEasier to turn left than rightUnbalanced power steering assist

Root Cause

Two issues: (1) A positive lip seal on the rack was installed in the wrong orientation (backwards), allowing fluid to leak into the air circuit. (2) A teflon ring on the control valve was distorted and partially shaved off during assembly, preventing the control valve from properly balancing hydraulic pressure, causing one-sided power assist.

Confidence

High confidence — Original poster confirmed this resolved the issue

View Original Thread →Posted February 2022 on SupraForums.com