AUII XR8 Power Steering Rack.

galaxy xr8 · 24-02-2012, 06:22 PM

Hi guy's I went to a local power steering specialist today to get my rack checked out, it doesn't leak oil on the ground when parked in the shed nor does it use any fluid that I am aware of, but I am keeping an eye on it from now on in. But anyway he said it need's to be replaced, I know the rack's are a common problem on the AU's.
I was quoted $625 fitted with a wheel alignment. Does this sound reasonable as I don't know much about them.

**SSD-85** · 24-02-2012, 07:32 PM

$625 is pretty standard.

Im not educated in the details of how the rack functions on an AU, however I was told my rack needed replacing 6 months ago. And still no leaks, groans or stiffness. As I said, im not well versed in racks, but theres been no discernable change in mine.

Glen 5150 · 24-02-2012, 07:39 PM

Identical car, AU II 220kw, i was quoted $550, around 2 years ago with alignment. No leaks, mine just felt a bit sloppy with a slight groan? Spent $15 on Lucas power steering conditioner, and it was like brand new after that, and saved a fortune. Maybe try that first?

galaxy xr8 · 24-02-2012, 07:52 PM

That's the thing though, it is not using oil via the res, and it's not leaking on the concrete.

b2tf · 24-02-2012, 08:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by galaxy xr8

That's the thing though, it is not using oil via the res, and it's not leaking on the concrete.

Well what's wrong with it? Are the rack boots filling up with fluid?

galaxy xr8 · 24-02-2012, 08:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by b2tf

Well what's wrong with it? Are the rack boots filling up with fluid?

I had it in to get something else done and while it was in there I asked him to check the powersteering as I thought it was leaking from the nut around the res, but he said it is fine and it's not leaking there, (must have been some spray from the belt that I put on it that made it look like a leak there) so I had him check anyway as he thought the switch underneath might be leaking as thats a common thing aswell. And while he was checking it he said the rack was leaking or on the way out and I would be up for $625 to get it fixed.
I asked him if it needed doing asap and he said nah..he was a honest good bloke but he did say it needed doing though.

BHDOGS · 16-04-2012, 12:56 AM

i was told today my rack also needed changing it doesnt leak but he claims it makes a clunk while turning wheels? could this be the loose bolt syndrome of the old recall ford did mines a series 2 early series 2 tho.

mik · 16-04-2012, 08:53 PM

anything is possible, it could also be the inner tie rod ball joint.

zdenko · 18-04-2012, 01:54 PM

I was told 9 months ago mine was on the way out, which was believable because I had oil seaping around the rubber boots.
And now my steering is groaning and clunking after all the recent rain. New rack required.
So far have been qouted $550 and $600 to replace. I gather with a reco.
Ford wants $450 for a reco spare plus your old rack, and $150 extra if your old rack is damaged beyond repair.

I was thinking of a do it yourself job though.
I was searching google and found this.
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Ford-Falc...-/360052319071
Any good, I'm pretty close to Paramatta, so the 18 months warranty will get a good work out if it aint any good.

AlfaRomeoGTV6 · 18-04-2012, 09:07 PM

I was informed by my local independent Ford specialist that my car required a reconditioned steering rack. Supplied and fitted for $550.00. There were no leaks, untoward sounds and all felt perfect at the steering wheel. I am mechanically hopeless and I am unable to get under the car for a look (I'm in a wheelchair).

So I sought a second opinion.

I organised Herrod Motorsport to examine my car where Rob informed me that that the steering rack was in perfect condition and all that was found was a tiny amount of oil/grease 'sweat' on the end of one rubber boot that was simply wiped clean.

That was 3 years ago and all is still in perfect order.

A reconditioned steering rack ?

Herrod Motorsport is located more than one hour drive from my home so it's not the easiest shop for me to get to, however the old girl will never see another independent Ford workshop whilst in my hands.

Cheers

mik · 18-04-2012, 11:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zdenko

I was told 9 months ago mine was on the way out, which was believable because I had oil seaping around the rubber boots.
And now my steering is groaning and clunking after all the recent rain. New rack required.
So far have been qouted $550 and $600 to replace. I gather with a reco.
Ford wants $450 for a reco spare plus your old rack, and $150 extra if your old rack is damaged beyond repair.

I was thinking of a do it yourself job though.
I was searching google and found this.
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Ford-Falc...-/360052319071
Any good, I'm pretty close to Paramatta, so the 18 months warranty will get a good work out if it aint any good.

i think that`s pretty cheap mate, as long as it`s a good reco, 18 months warranty sounds ok, i rebuilt my own about 100,000 k`s ago, personally i would`nt do it again unless i really really had to, it`s a bit of a pain, , don`t forget your car will require a wheel alignment and i think a decent job would also entail a flush of the power steering pump and lines prior to connecting the new rack, in all honesty if it was 550/600 fitted all fixed with alignment, to me that seems not too bad for the work required.
good luck whichever way you go.