What I did today thread...

[pierremcalpine]

Originally Posted by pierremcalpine

Began the process of replacing my steering rack...successfully removed the old rack and installed one of the two new lines (pressure house).

The used rack that I had purchased came with both the return and the pressure lines but it was a push in connector to the pump not the threaded connector which is what I had. Opted to keep the replacement and get another pump only to find out that the rack came from an S60R meaning that the return house routing is totally different than on the non-R. Rack was in excellent condition (and so was the pressure hose) so I opted to order a new return hose from the dealership. Arrives tomorrow at which point I'll throw the hose and new rack on and get this job done. My hope is that the sporadic stiff steering that has plagued the car is now gone (I had previously replaced the reservoir, the steering u-joint and the pump as well as flushed the fluid - issues remained).

Removal of the rack was not as tough as I imagined however re-installing the pressure hose was a serious pain (different routing for updated design / push on connection).

Update...tried finishing my power steering rack replacement job (which also involves upgrading from screw on fitting at pump to bolt on) and spent a good hour trying to connect the rack to the column U-joint totally stripping the pinch bolt in the process. Finally mustered some common sense and compared the male insert on each rack only to find that the replacement rack has a slightly shorter profile and is therefore incompatible with the old u-joint. Back to the dealer I go...apparently design was updated halfway through 2005.

[pierremcalpine]

Originally Posted by oragex

That's interesting, doesn't the R rack come with the speed sensitive sensor ? As for the stiffness, it may be caused by the spool valve inside the steering - my guess is this valve starts leaking on most cars at a certain age. But there are other parts that can cause stiff steering such as seizing (very rusted) strut bearings or even a bad ball joint.

Yes both mine and the r-replacement have the speed sensor so all good there. By valve do you mean the valve in the rack itself?

Strut bearings are new and ball joints have been checked. Really hoping this solves my problems as I don’t think I have another car job in me for at least a few weeks. Rack has done me in.

[oragex]

Originally Posted by pierremcalpine

Yes both mine and the r-replacement have the speed sensor so all good there. By valve do you mean the valve in the rack itself?

Strut bearings are new and ball joints have been checked. Really hoping this solves my problems as I don’t think I have another car job in me for at least a few weeks. Rack has done me in.

Rack job is not funny indeed. Yes I mean the valve inside the rack itself. On mine there is no speed sensitive - it was a nice option but rare besides the R and XC90 I think. While there, this sensor also goes bad causing a heavy steering and can be replaced.

[js7799]

Finally got around to replacing my faulty thermostat. I felt pretty stupid for putting it off for so long. I think it took me longer to find the right size torx bit than it did to replace the part. Maybe now the engine will actually reach operating temperature this winter.

[oragex]

Got this super cheap battery switch installed... fits only on the negative pole but kind of works so can't complain. No longer have to grab the wrench to undo the cable https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lMT1RdnkxnY


And then discovered yet another area that's leaking water inside the car https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pAbA8ZBOARg

[pierremcalpine]

Originally Posted by oragex

Rack job is not funny indeed. Yes I mean the valve inside the rack itself. On mine there is no speed sensitive - it was a nice option but rare besides the R and XC90 I think. While there, this sensor also goes bad causing a heavy steering and can be replaced.

Well the rack did the trick. The steering is now quite pleasant at low speeds and firm/responsive at higher speeds. Parking is now a much more pleasant experience!

Interestingly, I've noticed one scenario where the speed sensitive function lets me down. If I'm headed down a stretch at high speed and then slow down with moderate force ,if I immediately try to engage in a turn it still feels stiff even though I'm going very slowly. This happens momentarily and then the steering is nice and smooth. I wonder if the valve you refer to is showing early signs of failure...time will tell.

[MarvinMitt]

Originally Posted by oragex

And then discovered yet another area that's leaking water inside the car https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pAbA8ZBOARg

What's that black blanket on your dashboard?

[dave c59]

Loosened the top mount bolt and re-tightened it with the engine running - much less vibration coming into the cab now. Surprised at the difference.

[davebb]

Originally Posted by dave c59

Loosened the top mount bolt and re-tightened it with the engine running - much less vibration coming into the cab now. Surprised at the difference.

That's worth trying, what mount have you got, round or the new Shape one,
Dave

[dave c59]

Originally Posted by davebb

That's worth trying, what mount have you got, round or the new Shape one,
Dave

New shape one, just a cheap aftermarket one.
I was getting a rattle from the passenger door and the glovebox area on tickover, completely gone now (fingers crossed!).