Leak in steering rack

canhefixit

On a mk1 diesel focus passenger side there a small leak coming from boot area of the steering rack, is there any kind of repair I can try a seal or something without having to replace the rack? Cheers

Hal1

It's a known fault for the driveshaft seals on the gearbox to leak gear oil. It's a shaft out job to replace them. The parts are cheap it's just labour that will cost you.

I had the same problem with my own. Here's a pic of where it will leak from if it is the seals.

canhefixit

Cheers for that, but I'm pretty sure it's coming from the rack boot itself I'll have to look again and double check, be handier if it is just the seal your referring to as I'd tackle that job meself

dooroy

There is a product available - one kind made by Lucas - and available from motor factors which can be added to the power steering fluid and by 'conditioning ' the seals can help to cure leaks .
Don't know how effective it is long term but have seen it to work on a few cars.

Pov06

dooroy wrote: »

There is a product available - one kind made by Lucas - and available from motor factors which can be added to the power steering fluid and by 'conditioning ' the seals can help to cure leaks .
Don't know how effective it is long term but have seen it to work on a few cars.

Personally I wouldn't waste my money on remedies like this. The chances of it actually sealing anything are quite small and even if it makes a seal it will probably last no time at all.

Don't waste your money and get the job done properly. It will be a lot cheaper in the long run.

dooroy

I have seen this used with quite a bit of success - so they do work. Also the leak may be quite small and could go on for a long time without getting much worse. Its a simple 'cure' if it works and costs very little (€12 or so ) compared to having a new or recon rack fitted .And you can do it yourself.
The only alternative in this case is a new or reconditioned steering rack - and when labour for fitting is added in it can be quite expensive ; a second hand unit is not a great idea as it could fail in a short time again .

martinr5232

Pov06 wrote:

Personally I wouldn't waste my money on remedies like this. The chances of it actually sealing anything are quite small and even if it makes a seal it will probably last no time at all.

Pov06 wrote:

Don't waste your money and get the job done properly. It will be a lot cheaper in the long run.

That lucas stuff does actually work i used it once or twice myself.

Tea drinker

Well, the horse has bolted in this case but this is the reason why I change steering fluid from time to time.
My brother has tried the lucas thing, didn't work on his '97 megane. But if it even has a 50-50 chance of success sure 12 lids won't break the bank?

canhefixit

sorry lads havent been on in a while, ok so ill give the lucas stuff ago and report back wether it made a diff or not

The fact it is leaking does that mean the whole rack will have to be replaced or can new seals be put on it?

cheers

dooroy

Rack has to be replaced.
Even if seals were available the chances of a successful repair would be small.
Also give the Lucas stuff time to work - used it in a Golf recently which was leaking badly , fluid on the ground when parked , rack boot swelling up etc . After a few days the leak slowed down a lot and owner was happy to keep a weekly check . That was a few months ago and no problems since , in fact he thinks its as good as stopped now.
Worth a try as replacing a rack is costly enough .

Hal1

It isn't worth the risk of just replacing seals, and any mechanic would suggest replacing the whole unit. I had mine replaced not too long ago as it was making noises and getting heavy at times. Since it's been changed the steering is amazing and so easy to drive.

canhefixit

will defo give the lucas stuff time just wanted to know if the whole unit has to be replaced because of the leak

cheers

JohnBoy26

Tea drinker wrote: »

Well, the horse has bolted in this case but this is the reason why I change steering fluid from time to time.
My brother has tried the lucas thing, didn't work on his '97 megane. But if it even has a 50-50 chance of success sure 12 lids won't break the bank?

What difference will changing the fluid make?

Hal1

I would imagine it would keep it free from contaminants. I'm not sure if power steering fluid is hygroscopic , if it was then it would be good practice to renew it every few years or so.

gobo99

Can 'Bardahl transmission stop leak' be used to seal leak in steering rack does anyone know?

martinr5232

gobo99 wrote:

Can 'Bardahl transmission stop leak' be used to seal leak in steering rack does anyone know?

Why not just use a product that is designed for the job ??

gobo99

martinr5232 wrote: »

Why not just use a product that is designed for the job ??

Fella in the shop said it was the same thing. It was the only one they have. Just looking for a second opinion.

Asmooh

Ducktape ?

martinr5232

gobo99 wrote:

Fella in the shop said it was the same thing. It was the only one they have. Just looking for a second opinion.

Go to a different shop and buy the lucas stuff in the white bottle its the only one i have seen to work.