rotarypower101

iTrader: (1)

Hey guys need you help once again, I tried to be careful when putting my car back together after the rebuild, and for all my effort I was rewarded with a very clean leak free engine in ever respect…..but what I can only rack up to another case of my bad luck, I did not notice that the steering rack had a pretty substantial leak and it throws all that effort out the window. And since I cant just pull the rack without the effort of lifting the engine or lowering the PPF, it has kinda been moved to the back burner until I am in there for a associated project.

So I did buy a complete power steering rack rebuild kit from Ray and am thinking it is time to get it installed, so I don’t have to watch where I park and feel like an *** when I drip on someone nice clean surface.

Anyone know why these fail so readily and have any recommendations on how hard to do the job correct, or any recommendations to just have the thing professionally rebuilt?

I do intend on keeping the PS so I wish for it to be in stock operational configuration, as I personally prefer PS.


Any good thread outlining the cause of all the leaky racks? And preventative measures or fixes to the rack to prevent this from happening in the future?

Eggie

Where's the leak? Which parts of the system did you disconnect for the rebuild?

dgeesaman

iTrader: (7)

Usually PS rack rebuilds involve installing teflon seals, etc. Teflon seals are much more fussy than regular oil seals, so this is best done with the specific installer tools. As you are aware, the slightest leak becomes a big problem and would wipe out a lot of time and effort.

Considering that rebuilt racks are under $200 for most cars, I would consider that route first. I'm pretty adventurous, but when my PS rack went out on my Maxima, I looked at doing the rebuild myself. I'm pretty thankful now that I didn't.

Dave

rotarypower101

iTrader: (1)

I believe it is leaking from the front hex endcap.
Had they clearenced the PPF just a little bit I would have just put a wrench on it and seen if it was the all illusive “quick fix”

I literally just went up and picked up a 06 impala with the same symptoms and the tech there said that this can be a fairly common problem because of "the way they manufacture them"?? (what?) He was babbling about something with the steering gear…I have a feeling he didn’t quite know what he was talking about. but maybe someone can explain it a little better and it will make sense.


Anyone want to take a stab at explaining the actual failure point whether it be the sealing surfaces, wear, age or use directly caused by...?

Eggie

I'd bet you mean the front subframe. The PPF is the brace that runs from the tranny to the diff.

technomentor

iTrader: (18)

I needed a new rack for my car. Contacted a few places and could not find anyone with rebuilt units. Decided to contact Maval Gear, since they do power to manual conversions for FD guys who want to convert. The tech guy I talked with said they rebuild units, but the rebuilt ones are sold via a distributor. I got a name and contacted them for availability....they had none in stock and sent me back to Maval. I was told that Maval doesn't do stock rebuilds, at least not one at a time. They sometimes buy old units in bulk, rebuild and then send to distributor. I ended up in a "do-loop" and decided just to buy a used unit from Fritz.

It is a PIA to remove the PS rack with the engine installed. Had to remove PS and AC units to access the the main PS line, drain the radiator to remove lower radiator hose, and drop the subframe in order to roll the PS rack out from the front.

With all the trouble, I don't really want to install a used unit that "may work okay." So I am also interested in options that people come up with.

rotarypower101

iTrader: (1)

Ya I did …but it sounds so logical it almost worked huh?

Anyone have any reputable rebuild shops that they have used and time proven results to report?

I would love to see a diagnosis of the rack and a logical explanation for failure as I know this is a fairly widespread issue.