Steering: Leaky Power Steering Rack

[stevepcar]

Been under my 1996 850 T5 and Just noticed oil collecting in the bottom of steering rack guard and running out over the bottom of the sub-frame, just under where the steering column connects to the rack. I guess that a seal has gone. Is it possible to get a repair kit & replace the seals? Is it achieveable by the home mechanic? I notice that Autodoc & Parts Monster are offering repair kits. Anybody done this? Any advice appreciated.

[Cookeh]

Yes, it's possible to get repair kits, as you noticed. Yes, the repair can be done by a home mechanic. The hardest part is removing the rack, changing the seals and refreshing gaitors is easy enough.

Its quite well documented, but briefly you'll need to: remove out tie rod ends, drop the subframe a few cm to allow access to some of the rack bolts, remove the unions (lowering subframe helps here), and remove from the car. Lots of plusgas (or your favourite penetrant) on all involved botls and unions for some time in advance would be wise.

[stevepcar]

I guessed that was the case. I replaced the auto box last year and there were no leaks then, so a bit frustrating having to follow some of the same procedure again. But it would have been a lot easier with then as I had to remove the subframe !

[Lexicon]

Originally Posted by stevepcar

I guessed that was the case. I replaced the auto box last year and there were no leaks then, so a bit frustrating having to follow some of the same procedure again. But it would have been a lot easier with then as I had to remove the subframe !

Hi Steve, did you end up replacing the seals yourself, and if so how did it go? I'm running into an issue with a leak myself and wondering about doing seals myself or trying to find a reputable place to send the rack off to for remanufacture.

[stevepcar]

Originally Posted by Lexicon

Hi Steve, did you end up replacing the seals yourself, and if so how did it go? I'm running into an issue with a leak myself and wondering about doing seals myself or trying to find a reputable place to send the rack off to for remanufacture.

No I used Lucas stop leak stuff, which seems to have worked to some degree, although I've not checked the fluid level recently, which reminds me another job to do......