Steering Rack

[Daryl Gatenby <Daryl.Gatenby@domain.elided>]

A while ago I spotted fluid leeking from the steering rack on my Stag and
found that it was coming from in behind the right hand side tie rod gaiter.
I took the rack out and replaced all seals and it didn't leak from that part
of the rack any further. It was actually quite a straight forward job and
from memory it took about 6hrs from start to finish. The seals were all
readily available and I think cost me about NZ$12. There is a bit of a trick
to getting one of the seals across the rack teeth without damaging it
though. I just masked off the teeth with a thin plastic shopping bag. This
seemed to work. Also one should inspect the rack for scratches or wear. Deep
scratches on the rack can tear out seals and I presume are caused by foreign
matter getting into the system. I have heard also that racks are quite
scarce. There are a couple of bronze bushes inside also that should be
inspected for wear.

The steering had always been very light though and a month later fluid
really started leaking from the top of the control valve and so out came the
rack again. I had the valve rebuilt. Not only did this stop it leaking but
gave a whole new and acceptable feel to the power assistance. It has done
about 10,000KM now and feels great.

While I had the rack out for the second time I took the opportunity to add
an extra shim to one inner rod ends which stopped the slightly more than
acceptable movement there. Easier to do this with the rack on the bench than
in situ I think.

Replacement and/or rebuilding of the rack was going to be quite expensive if
I handed it over someone to do and from my experience it seems that most of
the cost would have been in labour. 

I've actually got a spare complete unit, including pump that I was
contemplating doing something restorative with but haven't got around to it
yet. Someone told me that it might be better to just leave it for parts
because some are getting a bit hard to find.

Regards

Daryl Gatenby
NZ