rebuilding steering rack - question

bgim

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Nov 16, 2007
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i'm rebuilding a rack off a US or possibly Canadian origin '87 turbo w/o PPS. the rack and valve looks identical to my '89 NA, if that helps. Actually the rebuild was pretty easy because the parts are in good shape, and the special tools are easily fabricated from brass and PVC plumbing parts. it all has gone fine, but there is an o-ring for the center of the rack and i can't figure out where to place it. i don't recall removing an o-ring.

this shows the o-ring - bottom center of the diagram, next to the teflon ring for t he center divider of the rack itself.

http://www.cygnusx1.net/Supra/Librar.../SR/SR_061.gif

this diagram doesn't show any o-ring:

http://www.cygnusx1.net/Supra/Librar.../SR/SR_069.gif

there is a very shallow groove on the side of the center divider of the rack that would fit the o-ring, but no opposing part to hold it in place or make it functional, because, i think, the center divider travels between the two oil seals in the steering tube without any other sliding parts to seal against an o-ring.

I'm sure there is a very simple answer, but I can't find it on any of the forums or search engines.

got one answer from a guy who supervises rebuilding racks that are sold on ebay says that on the supra without PPS it has only a teflon ring, no O-ring on the rack. Since the manual clearly states otherwise,

can anyone shed some light on this? Someone must have done this job before.
 

bgim

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Nov 16, 2007
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Suprafast0422;1170636 said:
what do you get like a rebuild kit from toyota to do this?

yes. it wasn't expensive, most of the time spent was cleaning the outside of the steering tube and valve housing. Really not that hard. Just this o-ring mystery.
 

bgim

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Nov 16, 2007
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Still can't figure this out, but I did a vacuum test. the rebuilt rack does not pass the vacuum test with just the teflon ring. I don't want to assemble it and drive it if it isn't safe. i sure could use some help from someone...
 

bgim

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Nov 16, 2007
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Never mind. I found a way to assemble the rack. Now it passes the vacuum test.