Power steering leak-change seal or rebuild?
 

87 300E. I noted a small power steering leak when underneath the car. A tech at our last tech session said the seal needed to be changed.
Should I just change the seal or usually does the shaft have play(secondary to bearing wear) so the seal will wear quickly? So should I rebuild the pump or buy a rebuilt pump?
How difficult and effective is buying a rebuild kit?
Does it make a difference if I put in a Vickers or ZF?
Thanks- we have another session coming up.

Not difficult.

Here is my experience with a ZF Pump:

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/tech-help/63549-checklist-ps-pump-re-seal.html?highlight=power+steering

I rebuilt mine as well, seems to be holding up pretty well. Considering the difference between a seal kit and a new pump, there's hardly any downside to trying the seals first.

New one is about $200. Kit is $50. Four hrs labor to repair pump and install kit? I will be at a tech session so may be pressed for time. The tech session advantage is an experienced tech will be around

Tech session? Not sure what that is. Anyways, on Fastlane, the pumps are about $250 each, or the kit is ~$8. If you're paying someone else to do the work, then the marginal cost savings of the seal kit may not be worth the risk of additional labor should the pump require subsequent replacement. Figure you'd save $200 off a $600 job, but at the risk of another $600 in case it is the pump. But if you're doing it yourself (possible, if you have the time), then it is an easy calculation.

The most time consuming tasks were:

1. Removing the pump from the car (because there were two extra bolts I did not know of).
2. Removing the split ring on the pulley shaft.

It is difficult to imagine what could cause a PS pump (at least the ZF pump that I have) to require replacement. The parts are too few, simple and strong to fail. Only the front seal should ever need to be replaced.

wonder if some one could post a DIY for front seal "only" replace???
thanks!

The reseal kit is no where near $50. These are about $11 retail.

ZF pump - 0004604561

Vickers - 0004604861

Super easy to redo. Consider replacing the fan belt while in there!

Here you go:

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/tech-help/63549-checklist-ps-pump-re-seal.html?highlight=power+steering