Steering leak - rack replacement

FrattonEnder · 10th June 2021, 07:47

My steering has been weeping fluid for a while now and I'm finally going to grasp the nettle and get it sorted. Taken a look from on top and underneath and I can't work out exactly where it's coming from. Can't see any issue obviously from the gaiters, the high pressure hose looks just fine, the unions to the rack look OK, though I've not been able to get the right angle to check the return hose, so it's off to the garage for them to check where it's coming from.
I've looked on here for threads about rack replacement and some say it's a full on subframe drop and others say it is possible to wiggle the thing out without disturbing the sub. Is the latter even possible?

Looking at a worst case scenario and the rack does need swapping out, how long a job is it for a competent mechanic with all the kit?
Thanks in advance.

cbr1100xx · 10th June 2021, 08:49

Took mine out through the drivers side.
I think its 4 bolts holding the rack , track rod ends and the pipes.
Inside the car its 1 bolt i think.

Wheel off , plastic liner out and comes out quite easy with a bit of twisting.
Took mine out with track rod ends still attached and changed them off the car.
For a garage , couple of hours work.

Stan

10th June 2021, 07:47	#1
FrattonEnder Avid contributor MG ZT Join Date: May 2020 Location: Gloucester Posts: 233 Thanks: 40 Thanked 47 Times in 28 Posts	Steering leak - rack replacement My steering has been weeping fluid for a while now and I'm finally going to grasp the nettle and get it sorted. Taken a look from on top and underneath and I can't work out exactly where it's coming from. Can't see any issue obviously from the gaiters, the high pressure hose looks just fine, the unions to the rack look OK, though I've not been able to get the right angle to check the return hose, so it's off to the garage for them to check where it's coming from. I've looked on here for threads about rack replacement and some say it's a full on subframe drop and others say it is possible to wiggle the thing out without disturbing the sub. Is the latter even possible? Looking at a worst case scenario and the rack does need swapping out, how long a job is it for a competent mechanic with all the kit? Thanks in advance. __________________ Serial Longbridge owner - Rover 213SE, Rover 216GTi, Rover 416 SLi, MG ZS 120+, MG ZT CDTi, MG ZT-T 190. Flies in the ointment - Ford Mondeo Mk4 CDTi Zetec, MINI Cooper 1.6 Last edited by FrattonEnder; 10th June 2021 at 11:17.. Reason: Couple of horrendous typos

10th June 2021, 08:49	#2
cbr1100xx Gets stuck in VW touareg Join Date: Mar 2015 Location: dunsop bridge Posts: 870 Thanks: 225 Thanked 414 Times in 235 Posts	Took mine out through the drivers side. I think its 4 bolts holding the rack , track rod ends and the pipes. Inside the car its 1 bolt i think. Wheel off , plastic liner out and comes out quite easy with a bit of twisting. Took mine out with track rod ends still attached and changed them off the car. For a garage , couple of hours work. Stan __________________ WE WERE BOTH BORN ON THE 4th of JULY CAR DIED 15/11/2022---I'M STILL GOING (JUST)