vadim

When replacing the steering gear, I had a hard time prying the input shaft collar off the spline. Eventually I pulled the gear out with part of the input shaft still attached (separated at the slip joint), and then took the shaft off the spline. So, when installing a new steering gear, I put some antiseize on the spline. When returning the steering gear to the rebuilder because it proved defective (a separate thread coming on that), the guy at the counter said that I should not use antiseize on that spline, and that steering will not be as responsive if I do use it.

I can't see how the collar would move on that spline if I tighten the collar properly, but hey, this is my second steering gear replacement, what do I know, so I thought I'd ask those who do.

I did not bother cleaning whatever antiseize was left on the collar from the first attempt, put the new gear in. It is as tight as it can be, just a bit of play, which I understand is unavoidable with power steering. Also, when turning the shaft by hand, I don't see any movement where the shaft comes into the collar, i.e. the shaft and the spline both turn the same.

Thanks in advance.

PatHenry

I can't speak to the technical aspect on this as I've only ever replaced a single steering gear, but if it's working correctly, continues to work correctly and doesn't cause a problem then it seems like there isn't a problem.