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        General >> Problems >> Leaking Power Steering Rack
        
(Message started by: Fitzy on Dec 21^st, 2004, 4:47pm)

Title: Leaking Power Steering Rack
Post by Fitzy on Dec 21^st, 2004, 4:47pm

Hi Guys,

First of all "Merry Christmas to everyone".

Right down to the nitty gritty, my power steering has sprung a leak somewhere, its not at the reservoir pipes they're all clean and dry, so it must be lower down will check properly in the new year, but my question is :

If it is the rack gone, is it worth the hassle of when removed just renewing all the seals or just re-fitting a new recon rack, as i can get one from an East London motor factor for about £125. Is this a good price for a recon rack or not? Also is it a relatively easy job to do or is it an absolute pig of a job? Obviously while its off either way i'll renew the the track rod ends. Has anyone else just replaced the seals or should i just go for the recon rack in the end?

Any help will be gratefully appreciated.

Fitzy ;) ;D ;)

Title: Re: Leaking Power Steering Rack
Post by johnv on Dec 21^st, 2004, 6:08pm

What happens a lot is a seal start to goes and the fluid goes into the rubber boot.
People who don't know, find their fluid level going down and they keep topping up over and over again and can't understand where it is going.
When I had my first Scorpio done 125,000 miles I had one like this and it must had been leaking for some time because the fluid in the boot had burst the rubber boot.
Because I had only the one car at that time i was to quick to accept the Main Dealers offer of a brand new rack, genuine Ford and NOT reconditioned. at a cost of £600. (that includes the fitting)
The Ford Dealer would not replace the seal because he said they can't give a guarantee on their repairs.
But I think the cost of labour being so high it would cost so much for labour.to replace the seals, you might as well have the new rack. But if I had searched around, no doubt I could have found someone to replace seals.
But don't forget, its best to replace all seals at the same time rather than just the one that's gone.

Title: Re: Leaking Power Steering Rack
Post by Simmo on Dec 21^st, 2004, 7:42pm

Fitzy !!!. Not more grief ! I had the rack done on my car and as stated all the fluid was in the gaiters which were well swollen I would suggest that a replacement rack is the best option. I am sure there have been other posts on this subject and if my memory serves me correctly any attempt to re-seal is a recipe for disaster and only a very short term solution. Do watch out because the failure of the power steering is not a pleasant experience and brings home rapidly just how much effort is needed to turn the wheel without it !!!.Hope you get it sorted. I would say Happy Xmas but.......All the best Simmo. :(

Title: Re: Leaking Power Steering Rack
Post by daven on Dec 22^nd, 2004, 7:47am

Hi Fitzy

This may be of interest!

http://www.fordscorpio.co.uk/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.pl?board=Problems;action=display;num=1096550842;start=3#3

Daven

Title: Re: Leaking Power Steering Rack
Post by john.n on Dec 22^nd, 2004, 7:56am

Just to add to the thoughts of others. I would not entertain the idea of renewing seals. Its a bit like renewing seals in brake calipers. May get you out of trouble, but best left to the professionals. As for fitting a replacement rack, this is not a difficult job at all and should take a morning. john.n ;)

Title: Re: Leaking Power Steering Rack
Post by Chad66 on Dec 22^nd, 2004, 11:02am

Hi there,

I'm in exactly the same position as yourself and have got myself a replacement rack (£140 inc VAT).

I've had one attempt at doing the job so far, but was bauked by siezed solid locking nuts. I'll be having another go over the Xmas hols. Only special tool needed is a joint seperator for the track rods.

Others on the site have done it and reckon on it being a relatively easy procedure.

I did a 'dry run' in making sure I could access all nuts and bolts to get the rack off. The only snag seems to be the valve body assembly where the fluid pipes meet the rack. I'm going to loosen the rack off a bit so that access to this nut will be easier. The nut you need to undo is hard to get at as other pipes are in the way.

HTH

Gaz.

Title: Re: Leaking Power Steering Rack
Post by gaz01gaz on Dec 22^nd, 2004, 12:19pm

hi fellas,i recently changed the rack myself ( average mechanic skills ???) if you do not have a tool for the track rod ends a big hammer will do the trick,just hit the part the track rod end sits in and hey presto it should release it ! the best way to access the pipe securing bolt is to undo the column joint and then the rack retaining bolts x2 then lower the whole rack down to gain easier access,sometimes easier with another pair of hands here as to not put too much strain on the pipes,hope this helps(clear as mud :-/)good luck ,gaz01gaz

Title: Re: Leaking Power Steering Rack
Post by gainef on Dec 22^nd, 2004, 2:03pm

Fitzy,

I had the same problem, leaking steering fluid. I replaced the rack with a second hand one. This was a bad idea as it turns out. Last month the rack (I think) went again and I've now decided to get Ealing Council to scrap the car for me cos I'm sick of pouring money into it to keep it alive.

Love the concept of owning a Scorp but the reality has been an expensive experience for me. .....Toyota here I come!!

FG

Title: Re: Leaking Power Steering Rack
Post by COSWORTH_PARTS on Dec 22^nd, 2004, 7:36pm

if its any help i have a got a rack if thats what you need had one fitted to mine not so long ago but got a spare

call 07780 704448

Title: Re: Leaking Power Steering Rack
Post by Simmo on Dec 22^nd, 2004, 11:15pm

Fitzy, See my PM. Looks like there is agreement that a replacement is best. Simmo

Title: Re: Leaking Power Steering Rack
Post by Fitzy on Dec 22^nd, 2004, 11:38pm

Thanx for all the advice guys, once again you came thru in the end, looks like i'll be crawling under the old girl in the new year, have to save me pennies hard.

Plus i just got promoted at work so the extra money in the new year will be put to good use. Cosworth-Parts is that rack you mentioned for a 2.3 and if so, is it a reconditioned one or just second hand, if it is a recon how much would it be and where are you based?

Regards,

Fitzy ;) ;D ;)

P.S. Simmo, just read your P.M. thanx mate will get back to regards the rack in the new year. Cheers.........