Replacing a steering rack

Taffyrhys · Post by **Taffyrhys** » Mon Jun 04, 2007 2:41 pm

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?

scrapheap · Post by **scrapheap** » Tue Jun 05, 2007 4:18 pm

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 !

Taffyrhys · Post by **Taffyrhys** » Wed Jun 06, 2007 6:35 pm

still sounds like a pig of a job but if you do the rack before me can you post any helpful tips - goodluck