My mechanic tells me mine needs replacing, failed its MOT, he managed to tighten things up enough to pass.....
Trying to get a new one in RHD seems impossible, any advice on sourcing or recon units and where to get a good one?
Thanks in advance.
Mike
Not heard of a rack going on a 9-5 before (how many mikles has it done?), and I'm not sure what he might have tightened to make it pass except perhaps the mounting bolts if they were loose, which isn't a steering rack problem. Here's what's usually checked:
Under bonnet checks
This varies vehicle to vehicle; some of these items cannot be observed from under the bonnet on some makes and models.
Security of the steering rack or steering box and its mountings
Play in steering joints
Inspection of any other swivel joints which form part of the vehicles' steering system which can be readily inspected from under the bonnet.
Under vehicle checks:
All the steering joints are inspected by the Tester whilst the steering is loaded by turning the steering wheel from side to side, or by the use of approved wheel play detectors
Power steering systems are checked with the engine running (Power steering fluid level will be checked with engine off)
The security of attachment of the steering rack or steering box is checked both with respect to the tightness of nuts and bolts, and structural cracking or corrosion of the vehicle chassis where it is attached
Whilst the vehicle stands on special swivel plates the wheels are turned from lock to lock and checked for smoothness of operation and to ensure that the wheels and tyres do not foul either the structure of the vehicle or any brake pipes or hoses
With the wheels jacked the wheel bearings are checked
Steering rack gaiters and front outer constant velocity joint boots are examined
Ball joint dust covers inspected for not allowing ingress of dirt etc
Metal and/or rubber bushes are checked as are split pins, locking nuts and other locking or retaining devices which relate to steering components.
On some cars there will be rear wheel steering which is checked from beneath the car.
Checked for inappropriate repair or modification to steering linkage or power steering
Steering lock stop must be present if fitted as standard
No significant oil leak from the steering box
Power steering: checked for fluid level below minimum (where visible) pipes and hoses damaged, corroded or fouling; components fouling or misaligned on external power steering systems
Any drive shaft (not including the prop shaft) support bearing excessively worn or a coupling gaiter missing or no longer preventing ingress of dirt etc.
There's quite a few used ones on eBay, or you could try www.partsgateway.co.uk for quotes from breakers which will come with a warranty, although I personally would avoid using Neo Brothers.
I've had a rack fail due to leaking and I've known a very small number of others to do so. Quite honestly it's a good candidate for replacement with a second hand part, the price of something like 4 fitted second hand is less than that of what just the supply of a new one would be.
The rack failed on our 9-5 after a new track rod was fitted but the oiks who fitted it used a cable tie to attach the rubber gaiter. Water subsequently got in and it began to rust >:( . You think you've had problems getting a replacement RHD rack, you should try living in in a LHD country and trying to find one as I had to ::) Eventually sourced one from the UK for £100 plus £50 carriage :o . I cant't remember where it came from (I gave away all my old receipts with the car when I got rid of it last year) but it might have been PFS or Parts-Asap - they buy (or used to buy) insurance writeoffs, so many of the parts are still good. Certainly the rack I got from them was absolutely fine.
In the end I went with a second hand unit supplied and fitted by Malcolm Miles in Leicester.
Cannot believe the difference its made! Old one had been kerbed badly twice by my wife [now banned from driving it!]
Whilst it was there had new sub frame mounting, rear engine mount, sump drop etc...
Has all made a huge difference to how the car drives.
Total bill was eye watering [car is probably not worth much more than that] but will get a lot more use out of her.
Can certainly recommend Malcolm Miles, top people.
Mike
I've heard good thing of Malcolm Miles, but he's a bit far from me...
Quote from: sgould on 21 August 2016, 03:51:19 PM
I've heard good thing of Malcolm Miles, but he's a bit far from me...
Miles away.....?
Literally! ;)
Leicester is a bit of a hike from Watford :-)
Quote from: mikejgeo on 24 August 2016, 09:01:12 AM
Leicester is a bit of a hike from Watford :-)
What? - only 85 miles! - my nearest dealer is further away than that! ???