steering rack failed on MoT
Discussion
My chimaera 450 has just failed the MoT on "offside rack power steering components leaking from failed seal" which was not entirely unexpected as I had been warned there was a small leak last year and I have been topping up the olde fluid now and again, and pre MoT inspection did find fluid in the rubber bellows/gator at the end of the rack. Garage that did the MoT (not where I get her serviced) recommend a new steering rack. Unless I am mistaken, this is the original rack so of a fair age.
What does the greater brain think about having the whole thing replaced (£1100 + fitting) vs having the seals changed/overhauled (seems to be a lot cheaper). The latter just pushing back problems for next time, or for a Sunday afternoon car, is that sufficient? I am up in Aberdeen too, making things a touch more complex, but do use Dreadnought in Callander for servicing her. Just means getting the rack out and to anywhere south is quite the trip, especially at £1.40 a litre in a saab turbo!
Any thoughts, gratefully received!
What does the greater brain think about having the whole thing replaced (£1100 + fitting) vs having the seals changed/overhauled (seems to be a lot cheaper). The latter just pushing back problems for next time, or for a Sunday afternoon car, is that sufficient? I am up in Aberdeen too, making things a touch more complex, but do use Dreadnought in Callander for servicing her. Just means getting the rack out and to anywhere south is quite the trip, especially at £1.40 a litre in a saab turbo!
Any thoughts, gratefully received!
V8 GRF said:
There was a stock of new rack parts at the 'Wesham barn' before NS cleared the place out, I was lucky enough to get my rack rebuilt with a new casing and bar before that happened.
Maybe they've resurfaced via Dom's or Multipart?
I certainly would like to know if anybody has any info.Maybe they've resurfaced via Dom's or Multipart?
I have 2 racks that need repair in my garage!
OleVix said:
Just checked mine, seems to be leaking a bit on the drivers side. I see that racing green has seals for it and its not expensive... but has anyone here done it yourself?
Just removing it is a ba
rd ! I got mine refurbished and to date no leaks ..but choose your company carefully!Secret for the MOT is to clean the whole area with a cloth ..
I changed the input shaft seal, not too difficult. Did it without removing rack. Not sure about end seals. The wipe with a rag suggestion is good advice as long as you keep an eye on the amount of fluid you're topping up.
Out of interest guys, what's the worst case that could happen if you suddenly lost a seal and all the fluid. Presume the steering just goes really heavy but at any sort of speed you'd still be able to control the vehicle fine, just low speed manoeuvering would be difficult ?
Out of interest guys, what's the worst case that could happen if you suddenly lost a seal and all the fluid. Presume the steering just goes really heavy but at any sort of speed you'd still be able to control the vehicle fine, just low speed manoeuvering would be difficult ?
http://www.westernpowersteering.co.uk/ quoted me £220 plus vat for a refurb
ewan221 said:
http://www.westernpowersteering.co.uk/ quoted me £220 plus vat for a refurb
I used theses with no problems to date .I was at the end of my tether with a certain company in Yorkshire ,my rack came off 4 times and sent back ,each time the gaitors did a Mr Blobby(full of Fluid).Every time they had a Buit excuse..On inspection at Western Powersteering they found old seals left in and and damage caused by trying to get the seals out ..
The other company do it on a production line, Western is very different ,one man does the complete job from start to finish ..
They will not do anything to the rack untill a full inspection so if its worn they will send it back..
Took me Three months to get my money back ,i should of billed them for over 18 hours of time ..never again
taylormj4 said:
I changed the input shaft seal, not too difficult. Did it without removing rack. Not sure about end seals. The wipe with a rag suggestion is good advice as long as you keep an eye on the amount of fluid you're topping up.
Out of interest guys, what's the worst case that could happen if you suddenly lost a seal and all the fluid. Presume the steering just goes really heavy but at any sort of speed you'd still be able to control the vehicle fine, just low speed manoeuvering would be difficult ?
Never known a rack seal to fail this way ever, the leak just gets worse & worse Out of interest guys, what's the worst case that could happen if you suddenly lost a seal and all the fluid. Presume the steering just goes really heavy but at any sort of speed you'd still be able to control the vehicle fine, just low speed manoeuvering would be difficult ?
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