C5 X7 Steering Rack - Again!

[Peter.N.]

I'm taking one of mine in for MOT in about 20 mins, both of mine leak but had no comments yet, always passed.

Peter

[Peter.N.]

It past, for the third year.

Peter

[aerodynamica]

It past, for the third year.

Peter

With leaking steering? I'm taking mine to your guy at MOT time

Well, I knew I'd be joining this thread sooner or later.. I was kind of hoping it would be later but it seems my C5 steering is beginning to drip...

I see the leak is behind the off side front wheel and shining a torch shows it is leaking where the pipe from the pump to the pinion valve joins. However I'm thinking it's likely the usual C5 problem and the fluid is leaking out and then running down said pipe. I'll confirm by inspecting through the rubber bung where the steering shaft goes through the footwell possibly some time tomorrow.

Looks like I will have to get the Xantia out of her well deserved hibernation and that wasn't the plan at all...

What are the latest thoughts on refurb racks now?

is this an acceptable replacement: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/184712004486 ... SwLvFc7R8b

And how is it determined if it's the long or short stroke version? I see reading back this is a concern but not how it's determined.

[Peter.N.]

Yes I should bring it down here - only about 500 miles. The first couple of years it rained when I took it in so probably didn't notice, it didn't rain today though but I had just replaced the undertray fixings and gave it a clean while it was off. I think his philosophy is if its not actually dripping he will let it go, the underneath is just wet. I've only topped it up a couple of times this year.

Peter

[aerodynamica]

Well, I think mine is dripping a bit more. Not severe yet but if what I read back on here is the case then it'll drip for a bit then after s few weeks will full on leak and then I'm in trouble. I was half thinking I could temporarily pull the fus(es) for the steering pump and clamp the fluid feed to the pump to keep the suspension working and keep it drivable until I've got everything ready to change the rack etc.

[Paul-R]

Instructions on gov.uk for testers:

"You should fail a vehicle if a fluid leak creates a pool on the floor within 5 minutes that's more than 75mm in diameter or if there are many leaks which collectively leak fluid at the same rate. You can refuse to carry out the test if there's an excessive fluid leak."

So that's a 3" pool on the floor which is pretty large. I don't think your tester is being kind, just following the rules.

[Peter.N.]

That's interesting Paul, I don't feel so guilty now. This is the third year for the red one and second for the silver one as that didn't leak for the first year.

Peter

[aerodynamica]

This is the overnight leak size. I think it might be more that 3" mind you that's overnight not 5 minutes

Leak pool size

[Peter.N.]

Doesn't look too bad. I carry a litre of LDS with me but have never had to top it up when out or away, just check it now and again at home.

Peter

[aerodynamica]

Hiya Peter, I've just topped it up now with my last 3/4 litre and setting the suspension to low shows the level doesn't appear in the filler so I think the overall LDS level is low. I just spoke to AEP and they're out of LDS!

[aerodynamica]

Looks like I'm officially in the club.

A little peak through the rubber bung and an oozing is seen....

[Peter.N.]

Mine has springs so only use it for steering. Just keep topping it up Graeme, I have only used a couple of litres in 2 years

Peter

[osx]

Instructions on gov.uk for testers:

"You should fail a vehicle if a fluid leak creates a pool on the floor within 5 minutes that's more than 75mm in diameter or if there are many leaks which collectively leak fluid at the same rate. You can refuse to carry out the test if there's an excessive fluid leak."

So that's a 3" pool on the floor which is pretty large. I don't think your tester is being kind, just following the rules.

One of the most useful posts. I have stopped looking for a rack

[Peter.N.]

That's fine then, you can get a heck of a lot of LDS for the cost of a steering rack.

Peter

[GiveMeABreak]

Mine failed on a suspension strut, with no 'pool' but was dripping slightly onto the ground, but that's all I needed to know - got a new strut and had it fitted for peace of mind.