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Replacing a steering rack
Posted: Mon Jun 04, 2007 2:41 pm
by Taffyrhys

I have a 19td LX R Reg which has covered a good 196K, however the steering rack is now leaking fluid from the gaiters, i would like to know how easy is it to fit a new one for a home car mechanic person? Is it a case of buying a reconditioned unit, taking the old one out and installing the new one? Do i need any special tools?Do i also need to be careful in setting it up when its fixed to the steering shaft.
Its one of those catch 22!!! spend another £400 when the car may only be worth £500 and then will something else fail next month, or is it time to say goodbye and send it to the scrap heap in the sky?
Posted: Tue Jun 05, 2007 4:18 pm
by scrapheap
Hi !
I'm in the same situation with my 2.1TD - except mine has the variable assistance.
According to the books, the time is approx 2 hours for the job, you need to take the track-rod ends off, drain what fluid there is left, and unbolt everything - making a note of the alignment of the pinion etc..
I'm planning on doing the job myself with a rack from a scrappy, can't afford to at the moment cos I'm taxi for the out-laws coming back from the airport, and the other half's fiesta simply wont do !
Posted: Wed Jun 06, 2007 6:35 pm
by Taffyrhys
still sounds like a pig of a job but if you do the rack before me can you post any helpful tips - goodluck
