Steering rack part II

Once the engine oil leak had been cleared up, it became apparent that there was, and always had been a steering rack fluid leak. Just weeping a bit from the bottom. Indeed one purpose of fixing the engine oil leak was because it could be masking other problems.

The rack had been refurbished (see blog) twelve months ago and was still under warranty. And at some point the hydraulic inlet thread was badly damaged. The steering specialists said to send it back. The could not repair it so they sourced another one for an extra hundred pounds and sent both racks back to me.

To be sure of good joints I went to Pirtek in Milton Keynes to have some more metal pipes made (from the hoses to the rack. Plus new unions and special hydraulic washers that should be better than the old copper ones.

This time I knew they took off the ball joints, so I did that myself and counted the threads - to replace them myself for a good approximation for the tracking. Once completed the steering wheel needed turning round about 120 degrees. For a final reassurance, I used Steertrak mobile HGV tracking. One side was adjusted by one turn, the other by 1.5 turns, so rally that is only 0.5 turns out and maybe a notch on the steering wheel spline.

Super Cooper mobile mechanic, who did the engine, helped me out. Which made the job easier for me.

A small alteration was grinding back the front axle a bit to stop it touching the rack. 

All done and tested, no leaks at all and steering feels really good.

SteerTrak doing a precision job in the driveway.

Old rack. See red fluid. And top left where it rubs on the axle

Metal pipes that were replaced.

Costs

New rack body from Steer Specialists £100

New steel pipe sand adapter Pirtek £100

Super Cooper £55

Steering alignment £120

Fluid c £10 halfords