Power Steering rack leak

[loo p]

The PAS system was making an awful groaning noise even on tick over and not even under load so upon investigation I traced it to a leak in the steering rack - there is a diamond shaped plate on the drivers side and fluid is seeping from next to that. I therefore assume that I will need to get the rack re-conditioned.

Has anyone experienced this before ??

and can anyone recommend anyone in the Hertfordshire area and roughly what I can expect it to cost ??

Thanks

[Corin Denton]

Yep, new rack time. There is a pressure relief valve located by that diamond plate that lets go when there is a problem. It is a bespoke TVR item, expect to pay 700 quid for the rack only. I had mine reconditioned, cost me 140 quid trade with new boots etc. Easy to take apart but a bit of a sod to get out through the chassis!

[loo p]

Thanks Corin

Got the rack out - took three hours and I had to cut the copper connecting pipes as they wouldn't undo. I guess I'll have a few other questions when the rack comes back....

Cheers

[Corin Denton]

No worries, the copper pipes come pre-made complete with ends direct from TVR for about a tenner each, you just need to bend it into shape. I also changed the fluid from the Mobil to Castrol TQF as it is the same spec but available eveywhere unlike the Mobil stuff which is nearly main dealer only.

[loo p]

Corin, thanks for your help so far. The rack should come back tomorrow and I'll try to fit it this weekend.

One question - I assume I just fill up the resevior with fluid, start the engine and turn the steering wheel a few times. This sounds a bit simplistic but is there anything else I need to do to bleed the system or anything I shouldn't be doing ??

Many thanks

[Corin Denton]

From memory no.