Power Steering Gear - Fluid Leaks
Model Year 1983Bulletin No. 83-198
File in Group 30
Number 11
Date Oct. '83
SUBJECT: POWER STEERING GEAR FLUID LEAKS
MODELS AFFECTED: 1982 & 1983 CENTURYS & SKYLARKS
A rack and pinion power steering gear external fluid leak on some 1982 & 1983 Centurys and Skylarks may be caused by corrosion from water intrusion past the drive pins which attach the two halves of the housing together. Refer to illustration.
Corrosion or a "black ring" caused by water intrusion may be noticed between the rack teeth and the piston. This occurrence will require replacement of the rack and bulkhead seals.
To prevent recurrence, the housing drive pin must be cleaned of dirt or grease and Permatex No.1 or Loctite 290 or equivalent applied to seal the drive pin heads. This condition was corrected in production on November 15, 1982 (steering gear date code 2-A-319) by sealing the drive pins. When a gear is serviced for any reason and inspection shows the drive pins are not sealed, they should be sealed, as described, in this bulletin.