FeralComprehension

Hi all! My steering rack leak appears to be accelerating and it seems I'll need to deal with it sooner vs. later.

I have time and a reasonable tool collection but the seal kit vendor says, "We recommend professional installation for these kits."

On the other hand, for ~$400 I can get a rebuilt unit from Rack Doctor who seem to have both solid fans and rabid detractors.

Anyone with recent experience in DIY or Rack Doctor rebuilds?

TIA!

Morten Skaar

I resealed my 1990 C2 steering rack last fall using the kit and instructions from http://www.klaindustries.net/technic...rack-instr.htm. The biggest hassle was removing and installing the rack, the reseal was quite straight forward. When removing it, be sure to mark all the spots according to the instructions to make installement easier..

newsboy

Having a lift will make the jib easier. I got a rebuilt rack from Vertex. Make sure you get 4 new rack bolts.

backitoff

I just did mine using the details on this really helpful link.
https://rennlist.com/forums/993-1995...-tutorial.html

Superb tutorial. Apart from removing the rack, the bit I found the most tricky was not stretching the 'square edged' rings. I ruined the first lot and had to buy another complete kit :-(

yellowducman

Did mine with power steering stop leak. Been 2 years and still no leak.

FeralComprehension

GREAT info- thanks very much. DIY is going to be the way.

mike9186

hey Feral,

My steering rack started leaking like a sieve about 2 years ago to the point where the reservoir would be empty in about 7 days and I was constantly topping it off. I tried a few stop leak products and they didn't help at all.

I finally bucked up and bought the Lucas Stop Leak and it is working great. I might have to top off the fluid every 4 months now.

When the weather warms up I am going to remove the undercarriage body panels and take a good look for the source. The puddle is collecting on the passenger side only. Hopefully it is only a loose connection from the pump line.

Good luck!

jimq

Is the Lucas transmission stop leak or power steering stop leak? Since we use transmission fluid want to know if it makes a difference or if can mix them.

FeralComprehension

2 votes for stop leak..... mebbe I should try that!

ETA: +1 jimq- which product, Mike?

TIA!

mike9186

I'm using the Lucas power steering stop leak product. Also, I am using Swepco 715 hydraulic fluid as Power steering fluid because that is what came with the car.

The bottle they sell at Autozone is quite large and even after 1.5 years I still have over half a bottle left. At cooler temps the stuff is pretty thick (like honey) so occassionally I will top off with Swepco and not Lucas because I don't want the PS Pump to work too hard and create another issue.

Rocket Rob

I've had good luck with Vertex Auto's rebuilt racks. The last time I did it, the cost was $375. The work to remove/install the rack is tedious. I would recommend replacing the steering boots while you do it.

mike9186

I forgot to mention that the leaking in my steering rack was so bad I bought all the parts to prepare for a steering rack refurbishment (bushings, bellows, bolts etc) but I never did the work because the Lucas stuff worked so well.

vernon

My 1989 964 the steering rack has been leaking for the last five years. It leak about one forth of an inch every three days an I fill up the reservoir a lot also I have a 1984 928s it leak for four years with a very small leak then it stop but it start up again for the last year an half. I saw this form an I have never done this before but I bought some Lucas power steering stop leak. Now I do not have any more leaks I would never done this without you guys! Thank You so very much for your help Vernon.

Goughary

What happens when you let it go dry and just run without the fluid? Mine leaks so bad that this is often the case. And I haven't gotten yet to replacing the rack.

vernon

I check it every three days now an so far it has not need any to be top off an I check my oil each week an it fine also. I may have to change the rack but if stops the leak I will be very happy. I did not put a lot of the Lucas in each car I did not want to over do it. As I said I did not think things like this work so I never put them in my cars I have had Porsche cars for 49 years I change the oil in my cars every three thousand miles my 928s has 165,000 miles an my 964 has 118,000 miles I drive them all the time an they run great. I have had my 964 14 an a half years an my 928s for 15 an a half years Vernon.