Loss of power steering fluid

[PaulBKal]

After a 600km drive home on Sunday, the power steering was not working particularly well when manoeuvring around things to park it at home. A check of the reservoir indicated it had lost a fair bit of fluid (way below the mark but some fluid still evident) so I bought some fluid and topped it up next. Time I drove it, but the same problem re-emerged and it lost a fair bit of fluid again.
Grateful any hints as to where the leak might be.


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[aussieintas]

Could be one of the pipe joints to the rack, or the pump. Reckon you'll have to get underneath and see where she's coming from.

Sorry can't help anymore.

[PaulBKal]

Thanks . Looks like the rack to me but will find out tomorrow whats the grease monkeys think


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[ticky]

I had a recon Rack put in a VB Commodore under warrantee, and a second Recon Rack put in about 2 years later. I dont remember the cost but fairly expensive. about 2 years later I was up for a 3rd, so My Dad and I ripped it out and did it ourselves. It lasted another 13 years and was still going fine when I sold the car.

Sadly, my Dad has crossed the great divide now and I'm not sure I could do it without his wisdom and knowledge, but from memory, I copied the pages required from a book in the library and we just followed the instructions.

Steve

[PaulBKal]

Yep internal leak in rack. My mechanic's first attempt to buy one led to a quote of $4,748 for the rack on its own! Further enquiries being made.

Where would I get an exchange or recon one?

I've never heard of such things, but I imagine if they are 4 or 5 grand for genuine replacements, there would be a cheaper alternative. Grateful any advice.

[PaulBKal]

Well this whole steering rack thing looks like a huge racket, if you'll pardon the pun.

My (soon to be former) mechanic can only find a genuine replacement for $4750 plus $500-odd to fit it. My Tyrepower guy who also does Pedder, can do a Pedder exchange unit for a bit under $1,300 ($1,600 fitted). And on Ebay, I find Steering Solutions with re-built units for $550. How does. That work?!!!



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[GHendo]

I’m sure it can be rebuilt – I had my steering pump rebuilt by a crew in Brisbane for $280 – a new pump is something ludicrous like $1,700. A steering specialist is the way to go.

Cheers

Geoff

[PaulBKal]

Now that it's all done and fixed I thought I should report back. Steering Solutions in Sydney say the steering racks on NS Pajeros have only recently started to cause problems so there aren't that many exchange units as yet so the price is a bit higher for them at $650.
The freight to Kalgoorlie was $70 and my new mechanic fitted it for just under $350 including fluid and wheel alignment, so a total cost of $1,070 for a very good outcome. Car drives and steers as well as it ever has done.
Interesting that these seldom cause problems for vehicles under 10 years old, something to factor in if keeping a vehicle a bit longer.


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[GHendo]

The steering rack is basically, I should imagine, just a hydraulic ram with a few extra bits. I’ve had to service several rams on my old backhoe and the cost is usually up around the $500 mark, so I suppose $650 is realistic. There is probably a bit more to doing the rack to just a straight ram – something I’ve most likely got to look forward to doing.

Geoff

[steveler]

Thanks Paul , I have a small leak under My car , hoping its not the steering rack .

[Apollo]

Climb under and check the tightness of lock nuts where the power steering lines come from the pump into the rack. My went loose on my PC recently and dropped the PS fluid. Not sure if it is an issue on the Pajs. Worth a look and is a $0 fix if it is the issue.

[PaulBKal]

Loss of power steering fluid

Thanks Paul , I have a small leak under My car , hoping its not the steering rack .

You might be better hoping it is the steering rack - I imagine it'd cost considerably more to fix an engine or transmission oil leak.
The other thing I found after the event is a breed of transmission fluid that didn't leak as readily. Allegedly. It would have been good to try it before spending $1,000.


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