Power steering leak

[Cavalier342]

I know I've mentioned this before on here, but can't find the original post..

Basically the steering rack on my auto has been leaking for about 6 years, pretty much not long since I've had it, I've checked it today and it's sprayed all over the steering column where it meets the bulkhead, the footwell panel, etc, all over the carpet so it's definitely got worse, level in the reservoir was down to the minimum mark, I've tried Slick50 PAS fluid, supposed to condition seals and stop leaks, that hasn't worked, is there anything else I can try other than getting a replacement rack? I don't have the part number for mine as the label has long worn away.. Any help is appreciated, as it hasn't got long to go.. Cheers.

[Envoy CDX]

replace the rack, sounds like the seals in the end of the rack are knackered.

[Cavalier342]

I know, I was just wondering if I could try anything else prior to that. Thanks anyway.

[Envoy CDX]

I know, I was just wondering if I could try anything else prior to that. Thanks anyway.

If the seal is gone... it's gone no magic potion will fix that.
In the meanwhile, did you not take the rack off the 18SV?

[Cavalier342]

No, as it needed to be "accessible" to be winched onto the flatbed when I had it taken away... No steering - not accessible as it wasn't a straight line pull. Might have been different racks anyway, wasn't sure at the time.

[TurboDan]

I have a rack here but im quite far from you...

[Cavalier342]

Thanks Dan, I'll consider it... I'll look around but then again it's finding the exact same one that I need... I know some places refurbish them, but either way it means removing it, keeping car off the road, and re-fitting it.

[Envoy CDX]

Most refurbishers do off the shelve replacements with a surcharge you get back when you take your rack back.
Only cav racks that were different were SRI, GSi and Turbo's. which had a 2 - 2.5 turn lock to lock.
all other cav's had a 3 turn (1.5 turns each way) standard racks.

(from memory - it's been a while).

So be it pre-facelift or face lift as long as its PAS then you're laughing.
Astra racks might fit too.

[Cavalier342]

Thanks Gary, what about the difference between ZF and Saginaw units? Or is that basically what you described? Mechanic told me visually I can tell the difference by the shape of the pipe which comes out of the top of the rack on the nearside end.

[Envoy CDX]

Thanks Gary, what about the difference between ZF and Saginaw units? Or is that basically what you described? Mechanic told me visually I can tell the difference by the shape of the pipe which comes out of the top of the rack on the nearside end.

Honestly don't know.
I'd just disconnect the pipes from the hoses and leave all the metal pipes attached to the rack. Easier that way I found.

[Cavalier342]

Fair enough, I see what you mean. Thanks.

[Envoy CDX]

Managed to sort this one out yet Andrei?

[Cavalier342]

Not yet, thanks for asking.

[Robert1981]

http://www.eurocarparts.com/mobile/stee ... ring-mount

[Cavalier342]

Thanks for the link but it doesn't really work. Everything is plain text, as if the website isn't complete.

[DiplomaXE]

scroll to the bottom and use the classic version of the site.

i made it work.

rack for my reg number -

http://www.eurocarparts.com/ecp/c/Vauxh ... 8b8&000380

[Robert1981]

Oops sorry yeah that's the Saginaw rack. Used my sir cav reg of old so should be ok.

[Cavalier342]

Thanks Pete, so is it the Saginaw one that I need then? It's on a discount at the moment, may look further into it....

[DiplomaXE]

have no clue which one is on your car.i used my number plate on the search..
put yur number plate in the website and find out what they recommend, although IIRC the later cars had the saginaw, early was ZF and all the reservoirs were marked ZF

[Cavalier342]

Thanks, will do.

[Robert1981]

If it's helps mine was last of line redtop on 94 plate.