Starbo

I've owned this thing for just under two weeks now and tonight the PS gave out!

it started with the "whine" and when I checked the fluid it was low and frothy. I added more and that seemed to help, and then I lost all power steering within a couple miles. I thought the pump had failed but when I got home I found the reservoir was empty. I added more fluid and then started the car, spun the wheel a couple times, and the reservoir was empty again.

I found the fluid under under the rear of the engine, passenger side, on the ground. I haven't gotten under it yet so hard to say if it's been leaking there the whole time or if it's due to the slant of the surface I parked on.

I've done some searches on here and sounds like maybe it's just the connection of the hose into the pump? If I need any replacement seals, are they dealer only parts? I kinda need to fix this this weekend.

Thanks all.

Starbo

Here's a pic, taken while it was still dripping.

Andy E.

From the photo, it's hard to tell whether or not the leak has originated from the pump or from your steering rack.

To determine whether or not your rack is leaking, try squeezing the rubber bellows or lightly prying the bellow edge from the connection point in order to observe any fluid escaping.

Starbo

When I was taking the picture I fiddled with the bellow and it seemed there was some fluid trapped in there.

Am I better off replacing the seals or the whole rack? Either one seems like a big job to do myself.

I assume there's no harm to the car to drive it like this until I get the parts to do the work?

Andy E.

The seals are not available for purchase as a separate component. In addition, special tools and machining operations are required to properly rebuild a steering rack.

Most of the Rennlist site vendors such as Pelican and ECS sell new or rebuilt steering racks. Vertex Auto out of Miami also carries them.

Yes, this is far from a DIY as you will also require a wheel alignment afterwards.

Yes, you stand a high chance of destroying your pump by running it dry.

Starbo

I spoke with the dealer who sold me the car and he referred me to his mechanic.

The mechanic confirmed it's the rack, he'll let me know Monday my costs. The dealer is allowing the job to happen at his dealer cost, which I'll have to pay. I intend to talk to him about sharing the cost.

Ugh.

Andy E.

At least the dealer showed some good faith. Rebuilt steering racks sell for about $1K however, it's the labor costs that are the killer. Hope everything works out!

Starbo

Rebuilt rack was sourced locally for $350. Labor is 3 hours at $100/hr.

zagamuffin

doesn’t sound like a great deal as car only bought two weeks earlier , dealer should have stood over entire job

zagamuffin

doesn’t sound like a great deal as car only bought two weeks earlier , dealer should have stood over entire job surly