Steering question, what happened to this???

[ronwest]

Not sure what happened here, but please advise....

[A383Wing]

looks like the rubber seal got something on it that ate it up...brake fluid, maybe?

rebuild kits are available

[histoy]

I think that the metal clip holding the seal simply came loose from the coupler housing.  You can solve this problem by buying the redesigned seal boot cover for the steering coupler from Steer & Gear in Columbus, Ohio.  Their part slips over the coupler and replaces both the seal and the retainer.  It costs $18 and is well worth the money in my estimation.  Phone (614) 231-4064

[bill440rt]

 

Yep, rubber seal is cracked & hanging at the top part. Metal clip also looked like it came apart & fell off.
What's not helping is the nut-bolt configuration you have holding the column coupler to the steering box. It should be a 1/4" roll pin driven in that hole.
Get a rebuild kit, available from nearly any repro parts company (Mega Parts, etc), remove the column, and have at it.
As an alternative, Steer-n-Gear also sells a neat little rubber boot that takes place of the original rubber gasket & metal clip. It's good if you're not worried about originality. What's good about it is that you can slide it off to grease the coupler every now & then.

[bill440rt]

Oops, Histoy beat me to the punch with the Steer-n-Gear boot! 
Nice little item it is.

[oldcarnut]

Not sure what year that is but here's some info that may help for parts too. http://www.dodgecharger.com/forum/index.php/topic,69059.msg775282.html#msg775282

[ronwest]

Thank you guys... that's a big help!!!

I have a grade 8 blot in there so should be even stronger than the roll pin 

[bill440rt]

Thank you guys... that's a big help!!!

I have a grade 8 blot in there so should be even stronger than the roll pin 

I wouldn't be worried about the strength of the bolt so much. What worries me is if that nut backs loose. Furthermore if there is any play in it. Also looks like that bolt is bowed a little at the end?
A roll pin won't go anywhere. It's a tight fit, and also locks the two parts together nicely.
Hey, it's your car. But if it were me I'd spend the $0.25 cents at the hardware store & tap one in there.

[ronwest]

Do you have the measurement on that piece?

THX

[oldcarnut]

If you get that rebuild kit, it comes with everything.  http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/raframecatalog.php
At least that way you know everything is good, clean, and might even turn smoother if that's been open for awhile and had the grease contaminated with grit.  Put in the Dorman 425-253 part number and it will show you the pieces