Time for a new rack?

[kikkoman]

Found small puddle of fluid under the car few days ago and it kept dripping for couple days about 1/4 liter or so. Searching around it appears to be coming from the top of the steering rack. Checked the reservoir and it's really low. You can see at the top where it seems to be leaking from.

I'm assuming I would need to replace the whole rack not just rebuild?

[wyatth]

I have little experience with failed racks but I wonder how you conclude it needs to be fully replaced? I’d think a rebuild could likely be sufficient if it’s working but leaking.

[kikkoman]

Originally Posted by wyatth

I have little experience with failed racks but I wonder how you conclude it needs to be fully replaced? I’d think a rebuild could likely be sufficient if it’s working but leaking.

Well that's my question and reason for opening this thread since I don't have any experience with working on a rack. I did perform searches both here and Google but haven't found any definitive answer what I need to do to fix this issue. Most issues seems to revolve around leaks from the reservoir, pump or lines.

I'm hoping someone here has had this issue and can share their experience or provide some suggestion. Thanks.

[Justin Daniels]

I am pulling apart an M3 rack right now, there is an oil seal at the top of the valve body that is likely the culprit of your leak (my rack was doing the same).

I can measure the seal and related O-Rings for the job.. not for the faint of heart though, especially when you can get a Rackdoctor rebuild for $500USD.

[1MOREMOD]

Oh thought your wife got a new set.

[Flying Ace]

You need to have inspected and be content with the rack that came with her when you committed 😂

[randrews15]

If you decide to replace the rack order it from Rack Doctor. I ordered one for my son's car from them and it was top notch. Their prices are very fair and you really can't beat it.

[Justin Daniels]

I popped the shaft seal out with a 3/4" socket (3/8" drive) and it looks like a standard 20-30-5 shaft seal.

The following is found on the seal:

NOK
20-30-5
ZF 0770 080 538
APO981E (possibly APO881E, or AP0981E)
22

Attached are photos of the shaft seal.

[Justin Daniels]

The O-Rings for the lines from the valve body to the rack housing are:

9.00mm OD
5.75mm ID
2.00mm tall (if the seal is laying flat, this is the height off of the surface)
1.625mm thick (if the seal is laying flat, this is the the thickness in the x/y plane)

Not sure if they were once round and soft like a normal o-ring, but they no longer appear to be that way. These rings appeared to be sealing fine, but are not as malleable as most o-rings I've seen are, they are also no longer round (as indicated by the measurements above)

[derbo]

are you sure you didn't just spill soysauce?

Sorry, I had to with your username and all.