During my first round with this, I was able to source the o-rings inside (the SKY-18N ones, the smaller but thicker o-rings) as well as the o-ring on the end cap which seals it.
Here is the picture I mentioned yesterday with the markings on the o-ring.
However, I didn’t look for bushings at the time as mine were good (or, I simply didn’t notice). And, your post earlier gave me hope that you were able to source something similar. This was somewhat predicated on the fact that you were able to find and replace the hydraulic piston rings (the 2 rings on the outer lip of the disc that divides the two chambers and drives the rod L or R); I have not tried to source these as I’m not even sure where to look and since the 2 I’ve disassembled seem to be in good shape (I’d take any info you can provide on where you got these made).
Well, I guess that is it for today (unless someone else randomly responds). The picture above is from when I was reassembling my US rear steering rack a few years ago (2021). My original back-up plan was to use the end cap from my spare US rear rack; however, I didn’t notice it until after my post yesterday, that the end cap for the US version of the rear steering rack has a different end cap, it doesn’t have the ‘snout’ on the inside for fitting inside the springs (I guess because they don’t have springs so it doesn’t need to make room for them?). Anyhow, that leaves me with trying to source a bushing or trying to remove the bushing unmolested from the spare rack I have.
When I’m able, I have 3 more sections I am planning to post which show the differences between the two versions of the rear steering system. I guess at this point it will be more informational than anything else since we’ve sort of gotten past the original question. But, I guess it will be good for any one curious.
My trust level has been updated; here was the tail end of what I had previously planned to submit. Again, this is a bit lost in context now due to the delay; but, this does show the differences in the 2 versions of the AWS system.
Anyhow, this is a long winded post to basically say thank you for the response and to provide some clarity in what I’m asking for. I had hoped the sticker was still available but that one seems to be a difficult thing to find. Not to mention, I think you’re the only other person I’ve come across who has taken the time to disassemble and repair this system; most folks here just remove AWS. Whereas I’ve torn every component apart to try and keep it alive and source what I can for replacement items. Here was the finished product for my US system before reinstalling it into my car:
The later GTO system is basically identical except for the rear steering rack (early GTOs and US cars have a smaller hydraulic cylinder with no self-centering springs) and one of the lines to it (I was able to determine this by going through all of the individual part numbers in the US and the Japanese versions of ASA). Here are some comparison photos (the difference between the lines is a bit more subtle but you can see it in the bend on the right side of the pic):
So, my plan is to restore the GTO rack I have (with a sticker if at all possible) and check out the differences between the two versions of the system to see how they perform. It just seems odd to me that they made this change after 3 months on the JDM cars (also putting it on the Euro cars) but not the US cars, so I’m curious as to why and the only thing I can think of is that the Euro/JDM version doesn’t pulse in operation like the US version does (but, that is a bit of a guess).
I think I was able to source a suitable replacement bushing. Quick test fit seemed to go well (this was just pushed in by hand).
Now, if I could only find a sticker to replicate.
Hi sorry i’m not on the site much these days due to other obligations. Yes you are correct, it is Joe90
He also has a you tube channel, where he fixes almost everything conceivable regarding these cars, you should definitely check it out. Here is one of his links
Appreciate the point in the right direction. I’ve seen a few of Joe’s videos, wasn’t sure it was the same Joe or not. But, either way, my permissions were updated based on time (I think) which allowed me to finish my initial thought (not sure if it will serve much use to others at this point though).
Anyhow, not to sound smug, but I don’t tend to watch a lot of 3/S YouTubers as I get annoyed with the inaccuracies in a lot of their videos. I’ve been in this platform for over 23yrs at this point, there pretty much isn’t a bolt/screw I haven’t touched on these cars. Although, every now and then, something new comes along (like this GTO rear steering rack) where I have to do some digging. Not saying Joe’s videos are that way, I actually think his are decent; but, that was more of a general statement. I tend to lean on the FSMs and ASA for most things; but, since GTO specific manuals are not too common here in the US (or really available online from what I’ve seen), that’s caused me to reach out a bit more than I normally would.
Regardless, I appreciate your assistance and the details you provided from your own rear steering rack rebuild. Now . . . if I could just find a GTO rear steering rack sticker/label…
Oh, and one follow-up question, @Pken, if you don’t mind. You got new seals/rings for the hydraulic piston inside the rack (the wafer on the drive rod, the o-ring and the outer seal around it it looks like from your pic); you said an engineering company made and fitted them. Can you describe what sort of company you used for these? Admittedly, to replace these (I think mine are good but can see them wearing out over time), I have no idea where to begin and the term “engineerng company” doesn’t really translate well for the US market. I was thinking of going out to maybe a hydraulic supply company; however, I wasn’t sure if there was another line of business or maybe better questions to ask. Any advice/experience you could offer here would be greatly appreciated as well.
