power steering problem

FCS Event Manager Joined: 04 Jan 2005 Posts: 3680

Right, last couple of weeks the front end of the car has been feeling a bit 'loose'

The steering seems to have like an inch or so of play, the faster you go, the more play there is.

head round a fast bend and u turn the steering wheel an inch before she will respond.

Checked the power steering fluid and it was low so topped it up

Then i had the car up on jacks today to investigate underneath and the lower ball joints i did a couple of months ago had split gaitors and dry as hell.
So i have replaced those and the steering is a lot tighter, not noticing the play any more but . . .

whilst the wheels were off and car in the air, i noticed that on the drivers side track rod, some power steering fluid, checked the hoses and nothing, dry, no leaks or drips, squeezed the gaitor that covers the track rod and it 'squelched'.
squeeze it with both hands and a bead of power steering fluid came out of the end.
the gaitor is not split and you have to squeeze hard to force the fluid out but (and not knowing a whole lot about power steering here) there should not be power steering fluid in the gaitor anyway ?
just grease, so i assume i have a split grommet or something under there thats allowing the fluid into the gaitor, can i replace that or am i gonna have to swap out the whole steering rack ?

Mr Quoter-vator Joined: 16 Feb 2004 Posts: 7405

knackered seals in the rack when that happens. usually new rack time. i feel for you. <solemn face>

Forum Moderator Joined: 02 Mar 2004 Posts: 19978

seals are away. But none of that is causing the looseness, like I said in the other thread check the steerign column.

Least its not as bad as my chamades old rack, poured some oil in and it poured right out but some stayed int eh system ands was sprayed out when the engine ran for a while after!

FCS Event Manager Joined: 04 Jan 2005 Posts: 3680

the looseness has gone from the steering since i put on new balljoints yesterday.

so with the seal gone in the rack its defo a rack swap out then?

GSF - power steering rack R19 16v - Â£150 - ouch

Forum Moderator Joined: 02 Mar 2004 Posts: 19978

could try one of those treatmens that swell the seals up. might do the job.

FCS Event Manager Joined: 04 Jan 2005 Posts: 3680

i'll check them out, if it works, bonus, if not then its a rack swap out.

cheers JB & Chris

Level 8 User Joined: 02 Dec 2004 Posts: 263

I remember when i sold my spare parts car to the scrappies.
The first thing the man there asked about the car was whether the steering rack was leeking. Rolling Eyes

That was my 1.4e RN ph2
Sounded to me like this was a common problem?