diagnose steering rack leak 850

Post by **hausmeister** » 19 Jul 2021, 05:57

Hey.

How do I identify a bad steering rack, or a leaking rack?
The ATF would leak from the boots somewhere I assume?

And one other question. For a TRW rack (which I have) you cannot get replacements any more. I could get a rebuilt one probably. Is swapping in a SMI an option if you also replace the fluid lines? (as the fittings/location does not match)
Long term this might be better as I can't get a replacement hose for the trw any more for example if it goes bad. Also not sure how long the other parts for it will be available (inner/outhter tie rods)

Background: During last inspection shop diagnosed leaking rack and wanted to replace it. I agreed reluctantly and left the car with them. fast forward a few days they gave me the car back, misaligned and without tightened rie rod ends as I noticed at home (WTF) . They ordered the wrong part (although they knew it was trw) and probably only noticed the issue when everything was torn apart.
I am also not sure I believe it is bad as there never was any fluid loss and I think the dirty boots are more from engine oil leaks. I will clean the area and check again. Needless to say I am very disappointed with them.

Post by **scot850** » 19 Jul 2021, 15:27

I forget what is compatible. The inner tie rods are different and the rack is different but you can use either but swapping parts is required. Hopefully someone who has done this will chime in.

I the rack is leaking, from anywhere then it would be fairly obvious. Clean everything off really well and see what happens. IF you are not losing fluid then there is no leak.

Leaks can sometimes hide themselves by leaking into the boots for a while before leaking out by which time the rack is well done.

Neil.

Post by **jreed** » 19 Jul 2021, 16:52

There is also a chance that you'll see improvement by making a change in the power steering fluid to a high mileage ATF type or trying a 'stop-leak' product. I can recommend using high mileage ATF... I used to leak 25-50mL of fluid every month on my '97 855 GLT using regular Castrol Transmax, but when I switched to SuperTech High Mileage ATF, the leak rate is much lower, usually less than 25mL every six months. Some others have recommended stop leak products but I haven't got any experience with them.

Post by **MoVolvos** » 19 Jul 2021, 17:34

*
This worked on my transmission and it's in the engine and power steering reservoir. Flush and add the AT205 for best results.

*

Post by **hausmeister** » 20 Jul 2021, 01:30

Ok thanks for the suggestions

What I already did is cleaning the boots and around that area as best I could, and I will watch for fluid. Other areas look ok in my opinion though there is some I can't clean off (car had a big oil leak a long time ago).
I also replaced the fluid in the reservoir a few times (should have done it earlier but it looked ok).
I always check fluids regularly and I did not notice any drop in PS/ATF. Though, if only a small amount leaks it might not be noticeable.

I will see If I can find a similar product to the re-seal, I doubt this one is available here.. and give the vids a look, thanks guys.
Edit: will do a flush and already ordered some sealing product, I'll definitely give that a try.

Post by **Clemens** » 20 Jul 2021, 14:47

I bought 3 bottles of ATP 205 a few years ago via amazon prime. shipping was really cheap. I have some left, I think. shoot me a pm if you can't get it.
I would only use ATP 205, most other products don't work in the long run. ATP fixed my rear main seal and it has been working for 3 or 4 years.
On a side note: My dad's friend had a leaking power steering unit in her Opel, and after adding some ATP, it got alot worse. This stuff works, but not always.

Post by **scot850** » 20 Jul 2021, 19:39

AT-205 is hard to get just now as the manufacturer in the US cannot get staff to run production. Local suppliers said they don't expect any more supplies until the fall. Blue Devil is a good substitute. Takes a bit of running of the car to get it working but fixed a RMS for one of my cars.

Neil.

Post by **hausmeister** » 22 Jul 2021, 02:45

ATP 205 currently isn't available in europe as far as I can tell, and on amazon.com its also unavailable, seems like you are right scot850

I am of the opinion that most of this additive stuff is the same, no matter what you buy, so I'll just try some from mannol or liquimoly. I am using other mannol stuff and I'm pretty happy with it, it is cheap and works.

Thanks Clemes, I'll shoot you a msg in case I have problems.

Can only be a very small leak if there is one, so I'm not to worried giving it a try.

Update:
So due for the next check and I went to a different shop this time, they found no issues with the car except an engine oil leak. So yeah, they just tried to rip me off.

Post by **abscate** » 22 Jul 2021, 04:47

If it’s a seep or occasional drip the stop leaks are worth a try for a

Rear main seal ( evaluate crank pressure first)
Power steering

Never in AC or radiator , please.