Steering rack woes

[taroz]

Hi all,

With perfect timing for the great weather my steering rack seems to have sprung a leak from the top of the control valve. Not sure it needs a full rebuild though as the main rack itself seems to be holding everything ok.

I had a search of the forum and our tech section (thanks for the upload there Dasadrew) but still not sure if a partial rebuild (of the control valve seals only) is possible or even a good idea. Can anyone shed any light on this at all?

Also, is anyone able to recommend somewhere reliable that they have used in the UK for this or is it an easy job to do yourself if only the control valve seals need replacing?

As usual, many thanks for any advice.

Tariq

[mole42]

Do you know the history of the steering rack? If the control valve is leaking it might be time to replace the whole rack since one seal leaking might just be the indicator that they are all time-expired and need changing. A recoditioned rack is not expensive and it's great peace of mind to know that you have reliable steering!

[sujitroy]

when I rebuild my rack 20 years back I only changed the rack seals. a year later. the top seal in the control valve started leaking. I changed all the seal including the ones on the end of the thin toquq thing. Those small o rings are not in the kit.

22 years on its due for another rebuild.

m&p rebuild racks in UK. Two folks in USA sent their racks to m&p. do the complete rack rebuild. even if you tackle the control valve, the rack needs to come out. that is for LH drive Stags for sure.

[sujitroy]

don't get an exchange rack. gets your rebuilt.

[taroz]

Thanks both!

I know the full history of the rack as the car has been in the family since it was ordered from BL back in 1973.

It is LHD and rack is totally original, had no issues with the rack since recommission except a slight trickle from the control valve area a few months back - we thought it might be one of the hose attachment points to the valve body so tightened them up. I parked it up a week ago, no signs of leak or heavy steering. Went back to the garage last Friday and it has trickled empty after having parked up.

Would definitely like to stick with the original parts and will see about M&P. Thanks for the suggestion!