Hi Gents,

could do with a tip from the experts. Presently rebuilding a "WS" steering gear from a 91 Trans Am 5Ltr TPI (F) with "F41" suspension option. Need to know what rebuild kit is correct before shipping it half way across the world (Germany). According to various sources the correct kit for cars w/o Soft Ride suspension would be, for example, Gates 349700 or Edelmann 8780. However looking at the picture of the kit contents, I'm unsure that the bits are the same ones I pulled out of the old gear and the kit doesn't seem to contain the seal that sits between the main housing and side cover.

Now, if you look at the picture of the kits for the same car but for the "FE1" Soft Ride option this seems to contain the seal mentioned above, e.g. Gates 349710 or Edelmann 8522.

As I know you can always trust the pictures supplier and I don't know what the difference in the gear is between w & w/o soft ride, has anybody done a rebuild and can tell me which kit does fit. If the first set of kits mentioned do fit, do they contain the aforementioned seal.

Any help much appreciated.

 

No links, so not sure what pics you are looking at.
Many of the kits fit more than one style box so they have extra parts.
By "side cover" do you mean the round end plug or the to cover where the adj bolt is?
I think you mean the top cover. That gasket is steel, I did not see it included in any kit I gave seen. It's usually reusable, just have to clean the rust off the edges. It may be available seperately. I have always used the NAPA kits.

 

Hi Stealtht/a,

many thanks for the quick reply.

1) A link to show you what you typically see when shopping
http://www.partsgeek.com/catalog/199...build_kit.html

2) Cover with adjuster bolt. As you said, more like a top cover when built in the car, but I just took the name from the GM service manual. Sorry for any confusion.

3) Gasket is steel, is rusted and I'm sure can be re-used. Just would be nice if a new one was contained in the kit.

4) Looked at the Napa Kit. Parts actual look like those I took oút (size, form, etc). Good. Bearing is unfortunately not contained as in rebuild kit.
http://www.napaonline.com/Catalog/Ca...181_0371851569

Once again thanks.

 

No, bearings are seperate, the kit is usually called "major seal kit"
I've never replaced any of the bearings when I rebuilt the steering gear, just the seals.

 

Check out 1990 Pontiac Firebird Steering Gear Rebuild Kit
You can also find some detailed info at http://navigates.gates.com/Parts.asp...Passenger+Cars