Steering rack seals - do they fail suddenly
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From: Sydney AUS
Steering rack seals - do they fail suddenly
Symptoms.
90GT never used PS fluid from one year to the next.
Suddenly get groaning from the PS pump no loss of power steering though. Checked and no signs of PS fluid being sprayed around so no fire risk.
Dumped 1/2 litre of DIII in the reservoir made 10kms before another 1/2 litre was required which just got me home.
I presumed that I'ld got a low pressure hose leak either the return or the feed from res to pump. but no sign of leaks as far as I can see. all the fluid seems to be in the rack boots.
Never heard of the seals failing suddenly. luckily i have a rebuild kit so sill try that first. And I'll be changing all the hoses anyway as I might as well seeing one end has to come undone.
90GT never used PS fluid from one year to the next.
Suddenly get groaning from the PS pump no loss of power steering though. Checked and no signs of PS fluid being sprayed around so no fire risk.
Dumped 1/2 litre of DIII in the reservoir made 10kms before another 1/2 litre was required which just got me home.
I presumed that I'ld got a low pressure hose leak either the return or the feed from res to pump. but no sign of leaks as far as I can see. all the fluid seems to be in the rack boots.
Never heard of the seals failing suddenly. luckily i have a rebuild kit so sill try that first. And I'll be changing all the hoses anyway as I might as well seeing one end has to come undone.
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Joined: May 2004
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From: Philly PA
If you cant find the leak try prying back the steering rack bellows , careful they might be filled with oil. the rack seals will last a long time if a few things happen, one dont hold the steering wheel against the lock when making tight turns go to lock then back off a inch or so at the steering wheel, this is the most important thing.
Second keep fresh fluid in the resivour and dont let the pump run dry, and also consider replacing the resivour and flexible lines to the resivour after you flush the rest of the system . If your going to rebuild the rack also consider new boots, new tie rods both inner and outer, and new copper sealing washers for the lines that connect to the rack
Second keep fresh fluid in the resivour and dont let the pump run dry, and also consider replacing the resivour and flexible lines to the resivour after you flush the rest of the system . If your going to rebuild the rack also consider new boots, new tie rods both inner and outer, and new copper sealing washers for the lines that connect to the rack
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From: Nova Scotia
The high pressure seal can and does fail suddenly in ZF racks: at that point, they drink the reservoir down like a drunk at a free beer bar ..... carry a jug of dexron III until your repair is done, or you will be doing a PS pump as well. Yes, it can be a hose, but .....
As Mrmerlin says, pull back one of the boots - they pump full of fluid if the internal hp seal fails: also, the plastic plug for the inspection port should be dry - if dripping, the rack is dead. Usually, the boots fill and weep ATF which blows all over the car underside.
The S4 pulled this stunt - as did my Carrera last week: that made R&R of a 928 rack seem like childs play.
As Mrmerlin says, pull back one of the boots - they pump full of fluid if the internal hp seal fails: also, the plastic plug for the inspection port should be dry - if dripping, the rack is dead. Usually, the boots fill and weep ATF which blows all over the car underside.
The S4 pulled this stunt - as did my Carrera last week: that made R&R of a 928 rack seem like childs play.
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From: Sydney AUS
Originally Posted by Garth S
The high pressure seal can and does fail suddenly in ZF racks: at that point, they drink the reservoir down like a drunk at a free beer bar ..... carry a jug of dexron III until your repair is done, or you will be doing a PS pump as well. Yes, it can be a hose, but .....
As Mrmerlin says, pull back one of the boots - they pump full of fluid if the internal hp seal fails: also, the plastic plug for the inspection port should be dry - if dripping, the rack is dead. Usually, the boots fill and weep ATF which blows all over the car underside.
The S4 pulled this stunt - as did my Carrera last week: that made R&R of a 928 rack seem like childs play.
As Mrmerlin says, pull back one of the boots - they pump full of fluid if the internal hp seal fails: also, the plastic plug for the inspection port should be dry - if dripping, the rack is dead. Usually, the boots fill and weep ATF which blows all over the car underside.
The S4 pulled this stunt - as did my Carrera last week: that made R&R of a 928 rack seem like childs play.
Spent an hour underneath today just cleaning up the red oil everywhere but all from the rack. none from the hoses.
