When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
I’ve got my throttle body and IAC off for a thorough cleaning. I bought the LCE throttle body rebuild kit which includes the TB/IAC gaskets, new idle screw, and shaft seals.
Problem is, I can’t figure out how to actually get to the shaft seals to replace them. There are retaining nuts and washers on both sides of the TB. Remove the throttle side, and the circular holder for the throttle cable comes off. Remove the TPS side, and it gives you access to the brass adapter that interfaces with the TPS. However, beyond that, both sides seem like they are pressed on to the shaft itself. With gentle manipulation, I can’t get either side to slide off to access what I presume are the shaft seals behind them. I can post some pictures if necessary.
Has anyone actually replaced the shaft seals? How did you get to them?
You don't have to remove the butterfly to replace the seals. I made the mistake of removing the butterfly on my orig TB to replace the seals and ended up stripping the screws (they are super tight). I had to drill the screws out & rethread the shaft. A real nightmare. TB performed even worse after that so I bought a used TB. Took LCE seals out of my orig TB and put them in the used TB without removing the butterfly. The seals are not pressed on, a little manipulation and they come out.
I knew I had seen this somewhere but couldn’t find it again. Thanks a bunch!
This thread shows removing the butterfly to access the seals, but it doesn’t seem like that is 100% necessary if you can get the ends off.
Originally Posted by Paul22RE
You don't have to remove the butterfly to replace the seals. I made the mistake of removing the butterfly on my orig TB to replace the seals and ended up stripping the screws (they are super tight). I had to drill the screws out & rethread the shaft. A real nightmare. TB performed even worse after that so I bought a used TB. Took LCE seals out of my orig TB and put them in the used TB without removing the butterfly. The seals are not pressed on, a little manipulation and they come out.
Well that is pretty cool, if you could change the seals without removing the butterfly.
jska - if you do this, post pics and info please. I have a throttle body on the bench right now that I have cleaned up and changing the seals would be nice to do, I did NOT want to remove that butterfly.
You don't have to remove the butterfly to replace the seals. I made the mistake of removing the butterfly on my orig TB to replace the seals and ended up stripping the screws (they are super tight). I had to drill the screws out & rethread the shaft. A real nightmare. TB performed even worse after that so I bought a used TB. Took LCE seals out of my orig TB and put them in the used TB without removing the butterfly. The seals are not pressed on, a little manipulation and they come out.
That's good to know. My problem isn't necessarily replacing the seals -- I can't even get to them. The throttle actuator with the spring, and the brass/gold bracket that interacts with the TPS, both seem pressed on. I was a little hesitant to bang them with a rubber mallet as I didn't want to bend anything. The brass TPS piece seems especially delicate. Pliars alone wouldn't get them off. Perhaps I need to hit them with a little penetrating lubricant. I'll try again tonight and report back.
Originally Posted by coryc85
Well that is pretty cool, if you could change the seals without removing the butterfly.
jska - if you do this, post pics and info please. I have a throttle body on the bench right now that I have cleaned up and changing the seals would be nice to do, I did NOT want to remove that butterfly.
I took a look at the TB I have sitting on the bench. On the throttle cable side I don't see how you can get the spool part of that has the return spring wrapped around it.
Here is the photo, nut removed from shaft, but that spool part with spring did not want to come off.
@Paul22RE can you elaborate on how you got this part off?
Answering my own question here. I put my glasses on and looked closer at that return spring setup. Finally decided that it looks like it has to slide off that shaft. So I pried on it with a screwdriver and sure enough it popped loose. With that out of way you can use a small tool and get to the seal.
I haven't removed seals yet, going to order new ones first. Here is the spring setup removed.
Mar 16, 2021 | 07:55 PM
