C5 X7 Steering Rack - Again!

[KennyW]

Weather dependent I know what you mean

Kenny

[Jay-Bruce]

I got the rack in tonight but need to bolt up the subframe and connect everything up in the footwell. It got too dark, the driver side rear caliper has seized so ordered got a new one but it won't take long to throw a new one in so about a day left in mechanical work half the bulbs have failed so need to replace them and then a bit of bodywork. Hopefully ready for NCT and to go on the road by the end of the Christmas break.

Good work, keep chipping away at it and you'll get there

[darbuck]

It's a bit over a year now since I started this. Yeah nearly there, weather is absolutely muck but getting a bit done between the showers. Everything is bolted up on subframe and rack. caliper in, still need to bleed it. I think I will change the fluid while I'm at it.

[bigblackfalco]

Well I've been reading up on all these horror stories about the steering rack for a few months now and it seem the reading of said stories encouraged mine to let go big time!
Not entirely sure where it's coming from, but I'm guessing the pinion seal as oil trail pattern is high up the pinion upper body.
I can't believe the amount that its losing overnight (car is a steel spring version so only small stand alone tank).
Did anyone come up with a theory as to what steering position makes it leak the worse or is everyone's different?
Just about to remove the large rubber grommet under drivers pedals ......

[bigblackfalco]

well there's your answer lady .... looks like it's been at the bottom of the North Sea for a few years!
You know it's not good when you remove the footwell upholstery and the rubber plugs are already off the bolt heads!

Is the drive-in supply and fit place in Wakefield Yorkshire still in favour?

[Lenny]

Is the drive-in supply and fit place in Wakefield Yorkshire still in favour?

Well, I don't want to tempt fate, but mine is still fine two years down the line.

[bigblackfalco]

Is the drive-in supply and fit place in Wakefield Yorkshire still in favour?

Well, I don't want to tempt fate, but mine is still fine two years down the line.

It'll be leaking profusely by the end of the week!

[Lenny]

It'll be leaking profusely by the end of the week!

Absolutely.
I reckon I'll nip out there now and stick a drip tray underneath to save me cleaning the driveway.

[bigblackfalco]

My rack was reconditioned by the super friendly guys at Steering Specialists in Wakefield last Tuesday.
Opted for the drive in service
What a great service they provide. Def know there stuff about C5 X7's.
They told me that my rack had already been reconditioned in the past. so now it's on it's third rack since new!
Cheers.

[Paul-R]

They told me that my rack had already been reconditioned in the past. ...

How interesting. What mileage was the car when you bought it and what mileage did it fail at?

[bigblackfalco]

They told me that my rack had already been reconditioned in the past. ...

How interesting. What mileage was the car when you bought it and what mileage did it fail at?

I bought it at 160K miles. It failed at 223K miles.

[Paul_719_AB]

Has anyone found the correct o-ring sizes for the rack connections. I think the 2mm ones I fitted 18months ago may have failed.

[darbuck]

I just bought a box of Amazons green o-rings and offered them up and got the closest match no leaks there at least. 100 odd for €15.

[Paul_719_AB]

I just bought a box of Amazons green o-rings and offered them up and got the closest match no leaks there at least. 100 odd for €15.

Many thanks for info

[darbuck]

No bother hopefully it will help.