Steering Rack Repair - In Car?

[1990C4S]

My V70R just developed a pretty significant leak from one end of the rack, there's lots of fluid dripping out the boot. The rack is extremely difficult to remove (it's a partial from member drop, plus an engine lift). It's possible, but a pretty big undertaking.

Has anyone tried pulling seals from the end of the rack and replacing them while it's still in the car? Seems doable to me, and a lot less work.

There are no seal kits sold online for my car, but a local guy says he can match anything I bring to him.

[Nordwest]

Have you U-Tubed it?

[1990C4S]

Originally Posted by Nordwest

Have you U-Tubed it?

That's my go to. Noting there.

[Jeff Alton]

Give it a try, report back.....

[Superman]

If the car is losing power steering fluid, then just be aware that the system runs with that fluid at significant pressures inside the steering rack. The seal holds back that pressure.

[908/930]

Just looking at pictures is it the passenger side leaking? If so I think you have a chance. If drivers side there would be two possible leak points, is there any movement on the steering gear shaft? Can you find a cheap leaking used one to take apart?

[Dixie]

Okay, i gotta ask. What would keep someone from doing it in-car?

[1990C4S]

Access. You cannot do a full rebuild on the vehicle. You might be able to do the passenger side, which I plan to try. You can't do the input shaft, and you probably can't do the driver's side.

[908/930]

1990c4s, is it only the passenger side leaking? I would think that seal is on the inside of a bushing held in by a retaining clip. Should be able to turn the steering wheel and hydraulic pressure will remove all of it, could be messy.

[1990C4S]

Originally Posted by 908/930

1990c4s, is it only the passenger side leaking? I would think that seal is on the inside of a bushing held in by a retaining clip. Should be able to turn the steering wheel and hydraulic pressure will remove all of it, could be messy.

Yes, that's exactly what I'm thinking. I'm debating driving my 996 while I fix it, winter really hasn't hit yet, and this won't be a two hour job...I'm optimistic I can do it.

[fastfredracing]

Im guessing , that depending on the rack design, while it may be possible , that your chances of success will be a very small window .
In all the years ive been at this, I have never attempted . Steering rack jobs pay well !! even if it were my own ride, id just toss a rack in it .
I believe I have done a few racks in volvo cars, and they were not that bad .

[Arizona_928]

If you attempt.... Don't bolt everything back on. Just enough to run the engine and confirm it's not blowing the seal....

[1990C4S]

Originally Posted by fastfredracing

Im guessing , that depending on the rack design, while it may be possible , that your chances of success will be a very small window .
In all the years ive been at this, I have never attempted . Steering rack jobs pay well !! even if it were my own ride, id just toss a rack in it .
I believe I have done a few racks in volvo cars, and they were not that bad .

My car is a 'R', things are very tight, so it's a 'partial engine drop' job. Loosen the cradle tilt it, push the engine up, etc... So I'm guessing 4 hours of struggling on my back to wriggle it out. That will be Plan 'B'.

[Dan J]

I'd write a check. My days of 4 hrs on my back under a car that's been leaking PS fluid are way back in the rear view