I have a leak in the Steering Rack Magnasteer. The leak is at the Magnasteer electrical connection that goes into the steering rack ( please see pics ). Dose anyone have any ideas how to fix this without replacing it with a new Steering Rack. Is it posible to just replace the electrical connection? If a new Rack is required, its it easy to replace?
This is on my 98 corvette
Also it is leaking a good amount. I can clean up the leak and the next day I'll have a pudle almost the size of a one gal paint can lid.

Thanks For the Help !!!

 

Not sure it is repairable. I just had my rack replaced under GMPP due to leakage. Are you sure the source of the leak is there? Maybe there is a leak higher up in the power steering components and it is dripping down there.

Bill

 

NO, I wish it was. It would make it a lot easier. I have cleaned up the droplets you can just make out in the pics and as I'm looking at it I can start to see more liquid start to flow from the electrical connection. Plus I have cleaned the hole area and there is no leaking top side. I might add I have checked the Power Steering Pump and there is no leaking from it any where.

 

I did a search on Magnasteer and found this article on servicing the units. http://www.babcox.com/editorial/bf/bf20224.htm Based on that article it looks like you need to replace the unit.

Bill

 

Yep. It's Not looking good. I agree. Looks like I will be replacing the Steering Rack.... Dang what a pain in the ^%$ .
Thanks for looking that up!!!

 

First off, I saw a post of someone selling two damaged rcks on the parts forum. That may not help but I had a leak at the seal in the top and found someone who refurbishes them. They replaced the seal for like $75 and tested it. A complete rebuid was $295 for replacing all seals and testing. Look for a steering specialist. In my case, I had toremove the rack and take the part to them for repair. Most folks don't mess with these because unless you are experienced, it may leak after you put the rack bak in.
Good luck!

 

Bill

Well done on the MAGNASTEER article!


in2fun

I know how much time and cash a rack replacement can use up. If it were mine, I would try a couple last resort HAIL Marys to see if i could solve the issue:

I would clean the wires the grommet and the housing really well with some brake parts cleaner and then alcohol. Then try to shove or work some RTV in and around the grommet and then neatly layer some around the grommet and let it cure a few days.

What the heck do you have to loose but a little time and some RTV!

If it fixes it, you saved your self some cash and time.

Good luck!

Bill

 

As you can see GMPP has replaced my steering rack twice (on my 2001 with 39,000 miles) in the past year with AC Delco Rebuilt units (GMPP reserves the option to replace with re-manufactured parts). Just noticed yesterday that the 3rd one is leaking - here we go again! I have never had a "re-manufactured" anything last more than a few months - even laser toner cartridges! Somehow they figure this is saving them money - guess labor is free?

 

Thanks for the Info. I was lucky and found one at ZIP ( Corvettes ). They had a rebuilt one for $209.00 and it came with a 12-month/12,000mile warranty. They said they had two.
I found the pricing for the steering racks are all over the place. From 209.00 to as much as 499.00 for the same part ( all rebuilt ). Plus I had a problem finding people who had them in Stock.





That's what I was planing on doing, LOL !. I thought I would drain all the fluid and then clean the area good and try RTV or even JB Weld if the RTV didn't work. But for 209.00 I thought I just replace it.





I had the same problem with a Power Steering Pump. I Bought a rebuilt one. Had it installed... Started the car.... It was leaking worse then the one I had taken off But that's the type of luck I have at times. The rebuilt one I have on it now is doing good.
If I had more time I would just rebuilt every thing myself ( that way I know it's done write ). But I always have so much stuff going on that if I ever want to drive my Corvettes ( I have a 72 that I do most all the work on it myself. It's hard to fine people to work on the old ones that know what they are doing and the one's that do are so expensive. ) I just buy the new or rebuilt parts and install them.

I'll let you guys know how it goes with the new/rebuilt steering rack.
Thanks again for all your posts.