1992 Loyale rack and pinion

[kas447]

Hello, after a successful engine removal and re-seal. I have noticed I am losing power steer in fluid at a rapid rate which then burns off the exhaust and smokes. While I have not located the exact source of the leak due to the mess and spray, I am pretty sure it is coming out of the end(s) of the rack and pinion. (mainly spraying out under some pressure towards the passenger side, after an engine cleaning I found fresh spray on the inside of the passenger front tire)

 

Having never replaced this part, I was wanting to get some input on how difficult this is and if it requires special tools, etc... My current plan is to order a remanufactured unit and just swap it out in the driveway. If this plan seems naive, please let me know Any an all opinions appreciated! Thanks.

 

--Kurt

[FlatFourFrenchy]

I work with 20 some technicians and have since 1989 and I have never seen anyone rebuild. Put the new or rebuilt in and move on possibly with a warranty to boot.

[Loyale 2.7 Turbo]

To Rebuild an Hydraulic Rack & Pinion is a Real Nightmare... I Tried it years ago and Discovered that there are Three Different Measurements for the inner Seals, which subaru Marked with Different Colours: Blue (The Thinner One) Green (the Middle One) and Red (The Thickest One) One Rack only uses One Colour Seals, so the Different Colours Won't Fit each other Rack.

 

Also after I obtained the Proper Part (The Subaru Dealer Sells the Three Different Seal Kits) The Thing never Sealed Properly... ...So I Ended Swapping a New (to Me) Rack from a Junk Yard.

 

The New one had a Tiny ATF Oil Leak... Remember that the EA82's Hydraulic Systems for Power Steerin' are Designed to Work with ATF, not Power Steering Fluid.

 

But I Switched from ATF to Power Steering Fluid and... Voilá!

 

My Lazy Solution Worked... and Still is Working Absolutely Great! ... No Oil Leaks and it has literaly Years Working with Power Steering Fluid.

 

I Used Power Steerin' Fluid with Conditioners and Sealers.

 

The Only Disadvantage is that the Power Steering Feels a Little Bit Harder.

 

Have you Tried to Switch from ATF to Power Steering Fluid with Conditioners?

 

It Might Work for your Subie if the Leak is Still Small.

 

Kind Regards.

[kas447]

Thanks for the replies. Perhaps I should have reworded my post, I had no intention of rebuilding the rack and pinion, I have read plenty of nightmares about getting that done successfully. My plan was just to order a remanufactured rack online and swap it out, however having never done a rack and opinion swap, I wasn't sure if any special tools were required or how difficult of a job it was to swap out. I just wanted to make sure I wasn't going to get in over my head by pulling out the old one and putting in a new rack and pinion.

 

It appears this subi has been running power steering fluid for quite a while and has also leaked for a long time. The entire front end is covered with old fluid. It leaks so fast after I fill the reservoir, it will be low again in a couple of days of driving. But good to know on the running ATF!

[john in KY]

Let's see, 4 bolts hold the rack in place, one bolt for the steering shaft, two lines to disconnect, and the tie rod ends. The tie rod ends will be the only real problem. There is a tool used to pop them loose. Good idea to also replace the two rubber bushings that are part of the mounting brackets.

 

http://www.bing.com/shopping/tools-otc7503-outer-tie-rod-remover-7503/p/C681385A156252E5C174?q=Outer+Tie+Rod+Remover+Tool&lpq=Outer%20Tie%20Rod%20Remover%20T

Edited April 13, 2012 by john in KY