Steering/Rack and Pinion Issues

Originally Posted by angrydan

I don't know if anyone found a final solution to this or not. It turns out my problem was the my power steering pump died! It had nothing to do with the rack itself. Just bad co-incidence, I guess. Unless anyone has a possible explanation for why the pump would die after a new rack gets put in?

Yep, normally due to the pump running dry/low as a result of fluid loss from somewhere else!!(the rack?).
Did they fill it up after they fitted the rack, did they flush the pump and lines/cooler??
Sixpack

[angrydan]

My mechanic did do a flush / refill, but the previous rack was leaking pretty bad. I am ashamed to admit that there were prob. serveral occasions when the car was driven with little to no fluid left in it. I am sure that I am partially at fault here

[blue thunder]

Yes replacing the universal joint assembly (steering) solved the problem. After having the old one out and moving the ball end it would stick and hang up in certain areas. My rack is brand new. Probably didn't need it. My mechanic had never had to change this joint assembly in a Subaru before this. Now trying to figure out this auto shift kit from smallcar. Thanks for the reply's.

Mike

[bwb3]

The metal tubing on my steering rack is rusted and one is leaking badly. Can you just replace the tubing or is it time for a rack rebuild? The connectors look rusted also (was originally a NH car). '94 LSi
Gene

[blue thunder]

Hi Gene I'm not sure if you're rack is fixable. I wouldn't think so but they're are a lot more qualified members on here that would. I happen to have a used rack that was taken off my car a few months back that should work fine. They misdiagnosed my steering problem as the rack and it turned out to be the universal joint assembly before the rack was sticking. So I got a brand new unit and didn't need it. I'll sell my used one for a hundred dollars if you determine you need a replacement. It should work like new. Take care and go gators.


Mike

[bwb3]

Fantastic! I'll take it. From the looks of mine there are problably more problems waiting in the wings. I'll PM you.
Gene

Originally Posted by bwb3

The metal tubing on my steering rack is rusted and one is leaking badly. Can you just replace the tubing or is it time for a rack rebuild? The connectors look rusted also (was originally a NH car). '94 LSi
Gene

You can replace the O rings on the pipe, easy. If that's what you mean?

[bwb3]

No, in this case the last 6" of the piping is rusted and one line rusted through at the bend with a steady leak. The connections to the rack are rusted and I'm wondering if repalcement is the best solution. The steering does work fine though.
Gene

Just replace the piping......gotta be the cheapest option...
Have they corroded because of the weather/driving conditions where you are?, (salt?)...
If the rack does develop problems you can always keep the pipes anyway..

Cheers
Sixpack

[bwb3]

The steering rack, exhaust, oil pan.... most parts exposed under the car have rust corrosion from the salt the use on the roads in the northeast. Fortunately the body and frame are in good shape. My '92 Liquid Silver spent it's life in Florida and still looks showroom new on a lift.
Gene

[bwb3]

Mike,
Get my PM? I have a friend in Bradenton that could pick it up.
Gene