Leaky rack and pinion
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 3,277
Likes: 32
From: Mission Viejo California
Leaky rack and pinion
Hi guys. My rack and pinion (that I just replaced with a rebuilt one) is leaking. It leaks when the p/s is used and needs to assist. It doesn't leak when turning the steering while on jackstands(not much assist is needed).
The symptoms are fluid out of the rack fitting closest to the driver. By labeling it rack fitting, I am meaning the fitting for the metal tubing that runs the metal line to the rack from by where the steering shaft connects. I do not mean the o ring style fittings that I had to hook up when I installed the rack.
I was thinking about these lines last night and am thinking about my plan of action. If I remove the idler pulley, I might have access to tighten the fitting a little... maybe.
The other option is to remove it and return it for an exchange. The company that replaces these things is pretty well know locally(I didn't buy a napa or autozone reman) so I'm guessing that it's a one off case. But, removal and reinstallation of this thing will probably take about 3-4 hours.
Anyone ever have one of these fittings leak?
The symptoms are fluid out of the rack fitting closest to the driver. By labeling it rack fitting, I am meaning the fitting for the metal tubing that runs the metal line to the rack from by where the steering shaft connects. I do not mean the o ring style fittings that I had to hook up when I installed the rack.
I was thinking about these lines last night and am thinking about my plan of action. If I remove the idler pulley, I might have access to tighten the fitting a little... maybe.
The other option is to remove it and return it for an exchange. The company that replaces these things is pretty well know locally(I didn't buy a napa or autozone reman) so I'm guessing that it's a one off case. But, removal and reinstallation of this thing will probably take about 3-4 hours.
Anyone ever have one of these fittings leak?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 2,954
Likes: 2
From: Obama=death for America
I don't know about your year, but with my 85 - L98 - rack and pinion, when it started to leak, the ONLY fix is a replacement. When they start to leak, they cannot be sealed up or anything. They must be replaced. I don't know if you have the same kind of steering system as your car is not an L-98, but the rack may be the same. Others here may know.
Race Director
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 14,924
Likes: 9
From: Merritt Ils Fl
Since we are on rack leaking woes, Mine started to leak, swapped it out and all was good, for a month. To my awe there is a rubber plug filling a hole in the middle of the unit. Doesn't fit tight enough so it leaks. Before you ask,no, there isn't supposed to be a hole there. Place I bought it will give me a new one so I am not out any bucks,just time. I'll do the swap while I have the engine out putting in the 383.
Racer
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 252
Likes: 1
From: Troy Illinois
Might try some stop leak, will help expand the seals. Low cost and if the leak stops, or slows to a point it is not a problem you will save a lot of money. I know a Corvette owner that was advised by his shop to try this and it worked for him and he had what I would call a bad leak. You can always replace the rack if this doesn't help.
