Leaking Power Steering.

[jusm]

Hi Guys,
Rather dissapointingly I am losing pretty much an entire resorvoir of power steerin fluid over the course of 2-3 weeks. Dissapointing because as part of the roadworthy (MOT) when I bought the car 10 months ago, the rack was sent out for rebuild due to a leak at a cost of $700, paid by the previous owner. I have read of some dodgy rebuild kits, so maybe that could be the problem.

Anyway, one of the gaiters is broken at the outer end and thats where the fluid drips are coming from. 2 questions and excuse my ignorance.

1. does the gaitor actually contain any of the fluid.. ie if I replaced the gaiter would that assist the leak? I thought they were just full of grease.
2. Assuming I have more issues inside the gaitor, who does the best rebuild kits, TonyH, LD, Paddocks? Dont want to spend time and money replicating the same problems I already have!!

Cheers guys.
Justin

[bunny]

Hi Justin
The gaitor is just a cover and should have no oil or grease in it, i bought a recon one off ebay and its spot on.

Ebay number 181138147569

vince

[jusm]

THanks Vince, looks good.. but not so good if you are exchanging from Australia!

[bunny]

This is very true, Send them an email an see what they can come up with.
Now not being rude but if you didn't know that the gaitor has no oil in it i think a refurb could be a bit of a bugger to do.

vince

[ozzymac2011]

steering rack

hi justin, i have an old rack, see if they will send you one direct,then pick up old unit off me,just an idea,mac.

[jusm]

no offense taken Bunny. The way I work is that I start out with zero knowledge about a subject, then research the bugger out of it and figure it out pretty quickly. I started on Steering Racks about 3 hrs ago and the Haynes manual wasn't very helpful!

Mac, that is a very generous offer. What do you (or anyone else) think is harder.. replacing a few seals (if thats all it is) on one side of the rack, or a complete replacement?

Cheers
Justin

[ozzymac2011]

steering rack

justin i,ve just fitted an exchange rack,(£95 m&p steering)not worth stripping and rebuilding,not the best job in the world to swop,mac

[bunny]

Its a good way to go justin to figure things out, we all need to keep costs down, mac has a good idea there about using his old one, and there are lots and lots of guys on here who will be happy to help if you refurb yours.
Good luck
vince

[jusm]

not the biggest or not the best job in the world to swap Mac?

[ozzymac2011]

steering rack

justin, what i meant was by the time you,ve removed it stripped, got the parts,put it back together then refitted it,i would rather get an exchange with a 12 month warranty,just my way of thinking,mac.

[V Mad]

I had not done one before, and now have successfully rebuilt mine. I bought the kit from LD Part. No leaks now. Next time I would choose that route again over buying a rebuilt rack.

[Goldstar]

I had not done one before, and now have successfully rebuilt mine. I bought the kit from LD Part. No leaks now. Next time I would choose that route again over buying a rebuilt rack.

And at least you know what the condition is etc. I think it has been mentioned a few times in threads about hot water for getting the seals pliable which seems to be the trickiest bit (just going on what I have read not my own experience).

I'm, sure Chris and others who have done it will help if there's no thread in the tech section.

Have you got a ROM, Justin - it's usually very helpful? The procedure (57.10.07) to dismantle looks reasonably straightforward although it's rarely as easy as it looks, obviously but the reassembly looks a bit more involved.....

[V Mad]

I took some photos of the parts in an exploded type view so others could ID the parts and see where it all goes together. Will dig them out on request as necessary etc. I am sure others have done the same and will help.

[jusm]

thanks guys.. been in touch with LD for an exchange and the postage is prohibitive. They offer to send instructions with the rebuild kit so might go that route initially and if it all proves too hard, take it to a mechanic.

[jusm]

on a side note, Peter from LD PArts is pretty much the most helpful guy I've ever come across. who the hell takes the time out to write an essay on my potential problems and solutions including links to Aus companies for no guaranteed gain? Peter apparently!