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MG TD TF 1500 - Steering Rack Tail Bearing Leak

Good day to all,
I have installed my steering rack and pinion assembly after cleaning and refurbishing. I installed the old Tail Bearing Shims and bolts. I did not use any type of sealant on any of the tail bearing parts because there did not appear to be any when I disassembled the rack. I installed on the car but did not add oil until I was further along in the project. So, I added oil, and the tail bearing leaks very slightly. I can't tell if it is leaking at the shims or the lower bolt.
For those of you who have done this job, did you use sealant, and if so, where and what type of sealant?

Thanks for your help,
Jim TD17744


JV Smith TD17744

Jim,

Did you make sure that the slot in the tail bearing was facing upwards? If not that could be your problem.

John
J Scragg

Thanks John,
At this point, I cant remember if I had that piece of information when I reassembled, but I will make sure when I put it back on.
Do you know if any sealant is used in this assembly?
Jim
JV Smith TD17744

Yes I smeared a little sealant on both side of each shim. Be sure that the leak does not come from the felt seal on the top of the shaft. In that case, the drops seem to come from the tail bearing also.

Laurent.
LC Laurent31

Jim,

I have rebuilt a few racks and have never seen any sealant, also have I never used any. The other thing you should check is if the mating faces are flat and free of damage.

John
J Scragg

Thanks John and Laurent,
I don't think it is leaking from the felt seal, but I will double check. John, I think your comment is more likely. I have ordered new shims because I was concerned about the condition. It is good to know that it should not leak without sealant. I will install new shims when they arrive and check the other advice on reassembly.

Thanks,
Jim
JV Smith TD17744


I've had a very hard time with this issue. If the leak persists when the car is not driven, it is coming from the tail bearing. A light coating of sealant on each surface will solve that. It could be that new shims will seal, but I had no luck with old ones. Felt seals are meant for dust, not oil, and my setup continues to leak.

Jim Barry
J Barry

Thanks Jim,
I think I will try the new shims without sealant first. If it still leaks, I can take the next step and add sealant. What type of sealant did you use?
Jim
JV Smith TD17744

Black Corteco 100% silicone.
But this is an European Brand you may not find the same in US.

Laurent.
LC Laurent31

Jim,

I found some RTV that was specially formulated for gear oil.

Jim Barry
J Barry

This thread was discussed between 07/10/2021 and 08/10/2021

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