power steering rack fitting leaking

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Mar 29, 2014 | 11:02 PM

AK47

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power steering rack fitting leaking

I discovered that the power steering rack fitting is leaking, not a lot, but a noticeable amount.
What can caused that? I just had my crankshaft pulley replaced, and the rack was pulled, but those fitting were not touched.
How do I fix it? I tried tightening it more, but no results. Should I try using anti leak power steering fluid? Do i need to remove the whole fitting and put Teflon tape or sealant on it?

Thanks!

Mar 30, 2014 | 09:37 AM

filmjay

Melting Slicks

Joined: Oct 2009

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From: Las Vegas NV

St. Jude Donor '10

It's been my experience that the steering rack does have to be removed to get the crank pulley off without dropping the cradle/lifting the engine. I had to when installing a UDP not 2 months ago.

Have you tried simply tightening the fitting? Or some RTV around the base may just take care of it, if it's tight already.

Mar 30, 2014 | 11:44 AM

MARSC6

Le Mans Master

Joined: Nov 2007

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From: Wilkes-Barre Pa

If its still leaking when tight it was probably damaged when the rack was removed. I would replace the fitting.

Mar 30, 2014 | 02:45 PM

Dano523

Race Director

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Take the car back to where you have the HB replaced, and let them deal with the leak.

Chances there is debris on the mating surfaces of the seal, and the problem at hand instead of just a loose fitting.

Mar 30, 2014 | 10:18 PM

383

Drifting

Joined: Jun 2010

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From: CT

RTV wont work if its leaking. Ask me how I know. Cut your losses and pull it out, that is if the shop that boogered it up wont fix it.

Mar 30, 2014 | 10:39 PM

AK47

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Quote:

Originally Posted by Dano523

i did take it to that shop, but their story is that they never touched that fitting while changing the HB, so it couldn't of been them etc...

Last edited by AK47; Mar 30, 2014 at 10:45 PM.

Mar 30, 2014 | 10:45 PM

AK47

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Quote:

Originally Posted by MARSC6

If its still leaking when tight it was probably damaged when the rack was removed. I would replace the fitting.

well it wasn't leaking before the HB swap, so most likely something got screwed up.

is it possible to swap the fitting without pulling the whole steering rack? but then I am not sure which part is damaged, the mail or the female..

Mar 31, 2014 | 07:53 AM

MARSC6

Le Mans Master

Joined: Nov 2007

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From: Wilkes-Barre Pa

Quote:

Originally Posted by AK47

Disconnect the line and check it out. I'm guessing they bumped the fitting on something when they were moving the rack around. Its possible to only be dirt but I've never been that lucky with a leaky Hy. fitting.

Do not use teflon tape. I've had to pick it out of a valve once after another mechanic tried to to be lazy.