Steering Rack leaking

[dmc3130]

Well after a good summer of some much longer than normal drives I have noticed that my steering has started to get .....well...... sticky or stiff. It seems to get stuck a little and moves in dumps. If that makes any sence. So I was thinking it was my steering shaft u-joints. So I sprayed some lube on them with no help. Then I noticed my driver side steering rack boot was leaking. I have a small 1/4 in tear in the middle of the boot, and it looks like oil drops are forming at that location. So my question is can the rack be rebuilt with new o rings or is a sealed unit that has to be replaced?

I'm not sure were to start other than removing it and go from there.:rolleyes1:

[Delorean Industries]

Well after a good summer of some much longer than normal drives I have noticed that my steering as started to get .....well...... sticky or stiff. It seems to get stuck a little and moves in dumps. If that makes any sence. So I was thinking it was my steering shaft u-joints. So I sprayed some lube on them with no help. Then I noticed my driver side steering rack boot was leaking. I have a small 1/4 in tear in the middle of the boot, and it looks like oil drops are forming at that location. So my question is can the rack be rebuilt with new o rings or is a sealed unit that has to be replaced?

I'm not sure were to start other than removing it and go from there.:rolleyes1:

If you haven't gone too long without rack lubricant you can usually replace the boots, top off and go. But if you are already having steering issues it will probably need overhauled.

[dmc3130]

If you haven't gone too long without rack lubricant you can usually replace the boots, top off and go. But if you are already having steering issues it will probably need overhauled.

Is there a kit for that?

[Delorean Industries]

Is there a kit for that?

Boot kit yes. Full rebuild no. We stock the boot kits with stainless clamps.

[jawn101]

Hey Stephen - me and Clint replaced my rack way back when, and while it did generate a good amount of cursing it really wasn't that bad of a job. You know where to find me... :)

[dmc3130]

Hey Stephen - me and Clint replaced my rack way back when, and while it did generate a good amount of cursing it really wasn't that bad of a job. You know where to find me... :)

Hey John,

Did you replace the whole rack? I know you upgraded your steering shaft. :strongman:

[jawn101]

Hey John,

Did you replace the whole rack? I know you upgraded your steering shaft. :strongman:

You know me, man... I did it all. Rack, tie rods, shaft, everything.

[dmc3130]

You know me, man... I did it all. Rack, tie rods, shaft, everything.

Where did you get your parts from?:smackbum:

[jawn101]

Where did you get your parts from?:smackbum:

Tie rods from DMCH, steering shaft from DCUK, rack from Hervey. I think I got lucky with the rack from him and wouldn't necessarily recommend doing the same - you can probably one-stop the whole thing with Josh (he wasn't really around when I did this job) and be very happy!

[dmc3130]

Tie rods from DMCH, steering shaft from DCUK, rack from Hervey. I think I got lucky with the rack from him and wouldn't necessarily recommend doing the same - you can probably one-stop the whole thing with Josh (he wasn't really around when I did this job) and be very happy!

Thanks, I'll contact him and see how much. This thing is bugging me when I drive it. Just doesn't feel right.....:dead:

[Ron]

Check out if there is play at the end of the tube causing the "dumps". If so the bushing is probably bad and you can repair it using this trick (page 6). (http://www.dmcnews.com/Techsection/Steering%20Rack%20Rebuild/Steering%20Rack.pdf)

[jawn101]

Thanks, I'll contact him and see how much. This thing is bugging me when I drive it. Just doesn't feel right.....:dead:

Right on. It's worth noting that a lot of the swearing will be eliminated if you do all three parts at once. A huge amount of the difficulty when I did the rack came from the fact that I wasn't doing the shaft at the same time, and getting it all lined back up sucks.

[jawn101]

Check out if there is play at the end of the tube causing the "dumps". If so the bushing is probably bad and you can repair it using this trick (page 6). (http://www.dmcnews.com/Techsection/Steering%20Rack%20Rebuild/Steering%20Rack.pdf)

Oh, fine... a solution that DOESN'T involve throwing money at the problem... you just be that way, Ron!!! :lol:

[David T]

Oh, fine... a solution that DOESN'T involve throwing money at the problem... you just be that way, Ron!!! :lol:

I would also recommend greasing and lubricating the whole front end suspension. Dry ball joints or track rods can make the steering feel "sticky". Make sure you have the correct tire pressures too. If the oil is still leaking out it may not be too late to save the rack. There is a way to drain it and refill it but you have to take it out of the car. If it still is not smooth then you can rebuild or exchange it.
David Teitelbaum

[dmc3130]

I would also recommend greasing and lubricating the whole front end suspension. Dry ball joints or track rods can make the steering feel "sticky". Make sure you have the correct tire pressures too. If the oil is still leaking out it may not be too late to save the rack. There is a way to drain it and refill it but you have to take it out of the car. If it still is not smooth then you can rebuild or exchange it.
David Teitelbaum


Yah, that's what I thought too. I did check all zert fittings and topped off. The tires are all good. I will have to remove it and take a close look at everything. John get ready for my call......:D