Hi all- I know this may be an old problem but I have no idea if I can fix this. Jeff & Ax have helped me greatly in the past along with alot of others so thank you and please bear with me. I installed (soft mount ) the 86 XJS front end and all worked out well. Ax's info on everything really helped. I used the 5.0 pump and had a hose made with the 5.0 pump end and the Jag IFS end that also worked well. The problem came when I started the engine- it is pushing fluid out of the rack between the upper part of the rack (above the hose mounts) and the steering column clamp. Can this be rebiult or do I need a new rack?? Thanks Dave S

 

Can't help you here, know nothing about rebuilding Jag steering gear. Sorry.

 

If I recall correctly, the Ford pump runs at a higher pressure than Jag. You want a GM Saginaw pump made for GM vehicles.

 

49F3dls

I am in the process of removing the front suspension from my 1979 Jag XJ12 and have found that the Power Steering pump looks very similar to a GM P/S Pump.

The mounting is a little different but, I assumed I would have to make new mounts anyway.

My plan is to use the Jag Pump in hopes that I don't have these types of issues.

Here in CA, Jag pumps are pretty cheap at the local pick an pull. And some come with a small P/S cooler as well - mine did.

This may be the best option for you.

Just my 2 Cents.

Take Care

Dan

 

Thanks guys- I don't think the pump is the problem- I am using the valve and spring from the JAG pump - which another thread on this forum said should make the pressure OK (maybe that is wrong) but the leak is at the IFS and I just don't know if it can be rebuilt or not. I guess the best plan is pull it back out and see what I can do. So close but yet so far from getting it back on the road!! Thanks again Dave S

 

I used the jag valve on my gm pump, works fine. When I first filled the system with p/s fluid, it started to seep from every seal on the rack. Not running then, just filled the system. The jag had been sitting in the junkyard for years and apparently the seals all dried out. A friend suggested adding a small amount of brake fluid to the p/s fluid. A small amount, just a capfull. He said that brake fluid keeps the rubber seals swelled and pliable. Since my other option was resealing the rack, I tried it. It works! The dripping stopped. I get a small amount of seepage, just enough to collect dust, but not enough to drip. Try it, it might work. The other option is to reseal the rack.

 

thanks rhopper. I'll try it. But one question are you saying the part of the rack that is leaking can have a seal replaced. Mine is leaking at the part that the steering column meets the rack. It is a good leak so I think a new seal is going to be the answer It was in the junk yard for at least 4 or 5 months and they drained all the fluids. The boots and everything else are good just this one leak thanks. Dave s

 

If it were me, I wouldn't take any shortcuts. I'd look into getting it rebuilt (i.e., seals replaced) or buy one that's already been rebuilt. IMO, you're only extending the problem that you will eventually have to fix.

 

I agree it will be best to fix it right. I just don't know if it is a seal that is bad or S a crack as I can't see the top of the part that is leaking I was hoping someone has had the same thing go wrong and would say "pull it out get a seal kit and it is an easy fix" pipe dreams I guess but this old 49 has been a dream for a long time. Thanks for the input it is appreciated. Dave s

 

There's only one way to find out if it's cracked or bad seals... replace the seals and then you'll know.

 

Makes sense thanks. Dave s

 

Are you talking about the seal where the steering shaft connects to the rack pinion?

 

Yes that is where the leak is but I don't know if it is a seal as I haven't taken the front end out yet. Any info will be appreciated is it an easy job or hard to replace the seal in that location Dave s

 

Check out this video, I think all racks are pretty similar in how the seal is replaced

How to Fix A Leaking Power Steering Gear (Rack and Pinion) - YouTube

 

rockauto.com has a complete rack and pinion seal kit for the jag for $60 . I have no idea what is included in the kit . I am sure you can call them and find out tho . Good luck .