Hot drivers feet? This may be your fix.
- Thread starter LandCruiserPhil
- Start date
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asTony: I was thinking silicone adhesive/sealant (not silicone grease); if the original is too flimsy as mentioned then maybe slather some FIPG or Permatex Ultra Black over the seal so it wouldn't tear or fall apart so easily?? 
. On the other hand wonder if silicone adhesive/sealant would even stick to rubber?? IDK.
. On the other hand wonder if silicone adhesive/sealant would even stick to rubber?? IDK.
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I need to get on that too, I can see lots of light around the steering shaft, at least I know what to do for it now, I had looked at it and decided it was not worth the hastle but this shortcut looks just fine to me.
Just finished up, and Yup, less than 30 minutes, mostly due to the great tips by Phil. I was starting to worry that I would have to pull down my entire section of insulation, and then I saw that there is a wee little velcro flap with a trap door setup so we can do this service really easy. Only thing I can really add is that it is easier to see your index marks if you use a Metalic Silver Sharpie so the marks are bright and easy to see against the dark metal parts. Supposed to wram up to high 90's today, so I can test this baby this afternoon. Thanks!! John
I also replaced this seal this week. The OP was very helpful. I my case the new seal will keep water out during the rainy season that just started as well as keeping engine smells out of the cabin. 
Replaced mine a couple of years ago.
It is already broke again.
They do not last very long check often!
LandCrusher80
It is already broke again.
They do not last very long check often!
LandCrusher80
- Thread starter
- #28
Replaced mine a couple of years ago.
It is already broke again.
They do not last very long check often!
LandCrusher80
Curious, did you lube the shaft and seal when installed?
Now that several people have done this I am wondering how many have noticed their steering column is off center. I cant believe that a new seal is gonna center it again and last very long. Maybe I need to somehow center it before I put the new seal in? Any insight is appreciated.
Replacing steering shaft firewall seal
Bringing this back as I finally got around to replacing this seal. What I observed was that the intermediate steering shaft wobbled out of a straight line from the upper steering shaft to the steering box. The upper shaft does not wobble at all when turning the steering wheel with the U-joint and flexible coupler removed; it's tight. Once I got the upper U-joint in my hand I notice that it was stiff and notchy in one direction. This may be whats causing the firewall seal to fall apart soon after replacement; the stiff joint causes the shaft to rotate out of it's axis putting stress on the seal.
What's needed IMHO is a firewall bearing/seal to keep the intermediate shaft centered and support the weight of the shaft, something like the top photo.
Bringing this back as I finally got around to replacing this seal. What I observed was that the intermediate steering shaft wobbled out of a straight line from the upper steering shaft to the steering box. The upper shaft does not wobble at all when turning the steering wheel with the U-joint and flexible coupler removed; it's tight. Once I got the upper U-joint in my hand I notice that it was stiff and notchy in one direction. This may be whats causing the firewall seal to fall apart soon after replacement; the stiff joint causes the shaft to rotate out of it's axis putting stress on the seal.
What's needed IMHO is a firewall bearing/seal to keep the intermediate shaft centered and support the weight of the shaft, something like the top photo.
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If you look at the photos of the old seals they all come apart in the folds of rubber which isn't very thick. For a temporary fix/improvement/experiment I coated a new seal with about six layers of spray Plasti Dip liquid rubber. They make a type in a can that you dip the part in the liquid and another in a spray can. I used the spray can as I didn't want to fill up or narrow the hole the shaft passes through so stuffed some painters tape in the hole to keep it clear. The result is not very pretty as the rubber bubbles as it cures/dries but it definitely stiffened the seal up significantly. Here's a couple of photos:
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I took care of this last night. It was super easy thanks to this post....thanks for the info. I kept wondering why my feet were warming up so much!
I haven't noticed any difference in heat at my feet since replacing the seal, maybe a bit less engine/road noise. I packed the seal with grease (more than a swipe) where it passes through the firewall, but the steering feels just a tad stiffer, maybe due to the reinforced less-flexible seal and/or maybe from a slightly stiff U-joint I discovered.
This is a problem I did not know I had to fix.... But mine is shot as well.... 
I think this is one of those areas that can be improved upon; not a real big deal as you say you didn't know you had the problem, and I didn't either until LandcruiserPhil started this threads (thanks). As mentioned I also found that the upper U-joint of the steering shaft was a bit stiff and as a result it rotated out of a straight line when the steering wheel was turned. This wobble probably would stretch/stress the original rubber seal beyond what it was designed for, then add some age and dry rotted rubber and it falls apart, IMO.
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Just checked mine, its toast. I know what I'm doing next weekend.
With little refinement this is FAQ worthy material IMHO...
Nice job !!
Nice job !!
