kkim

A little OT, but has anyone ever tried one of those auto trans/ power steering stop leak fluids in their 993 power steering fluid to try and stop a rack leak? I recently got an old Toyota truck which had a slow P/S leak. I put some stop leak fluid in the P/S fluid and lo and behold if it didn't stop the leak!! I know a $500 truck is one thing, but is there a downside to trying this in our cars? Just seems $5 for the stop leak vs $1000 is a no brainer, if there aren't major downsides to this approach.

Opinions/experiences?

mborkow

"$5 for the stop leak vs $1000 is a no brainer"
i second that. if someone has a $5 fix for this $1000 pita PLEASE let me know!

Phil

you could try it. Worse cas is you have to replace the rack. which your looking at doing anyway.

mborkow

"you could try it"
but what is "it" (the $5 fix)?

EThec

anyone know what the standard shop labor time is to replace a rack?

i have a small leak and had the whining noise descibed as well and after checking the fluid level had to add some pentosin. I've decided to bite the bullet and replace the rack.

mborkow

my shop runs about $120/hour, but i would expect the bay area to be more expensive than many other areas

EThec

i'm looking for the number of hours not the $$$/hour.

Phil

I did a quick google search.
this was first to pop uo
http://www.autobarn.net/luc10008.html

Maybe Steve W will chime in with is opion of this?

mborkow

oops. sorry. unfortunately, i will most likely be able to give you that info tomorrow after my car is diagnosed...if i do need a new rack are there any mods worth doing at the same time?

kkim

I will check the bottle when I get home, if you like, and post.

Main things are compatability and strength, IMO. I stood at the car parts counter for a long time comparing the 4/5 different brews they had. Read the labels and see if it is compatable with the type fluid we have in our cars and second how "strong" it is. Words like "industrial" or "commercial" are good clues.

Last.. follow the directions on how much to put in there. Not the entire bottle as these bottles were made for auto transmissions which hold a lot more fluid than steering systems. Even the parts counter guy cautioned me not to put too much, so it must be true.

graham_mitchell

Phlat Black Guru, that link didn't work.

Btw, I was sold a seal kit by ZF just before winter but didn't have a chance to try it before putting the car away for winter.

It was around $80

johnwelch

I replaced mine, not once, but TWICE! Fortunately under warranty both times. I'll check my service records and let you know how many hours they charged, and the breakdown of charges.

mborkow

"I'll check my service records and let you know how many hours they charged, and the breakdown of charges."
awesome. that would be great

Joe S.

Get the 964 steering rack, the same as used in the 993 RS for an improved steering response.

mborkow

"Get the 964 steering rack, the same as used in the 993 RS for an improved steering response"
is their a price difference?