Test a steering rack before installation?

Post by **FireFox31** » 13 Mar 2025, 11:17

Does anyone have ideas on how to test a steering rack before completing the difficult installation into a car? I have a junkyard rack and would like to replace seals two other racks but would want to test them all before use.

My one idea is to have a hydraulic hose shop make extended input/output hoses by clamping long, new hoses to the cut off ends of the OEM hoses. I could then leave the rack on a bench, run the hoses into the car, power up the system, and turn the rack by hand to see it work. Problem is, the system would not be under load, not overcoming the friction of wheels on pavement. But at least it could get under pressure. What do you think?

dikidera · Post by **dikidera** » 13 Mar 2025, 12:12

I would fill with fluid, plug one end and use shop air to pump 100 psi which it sees anyway when running.

Post by **Clemens** » 15 Mar 2025, 01:16

Firefox, I like your idea. You won't be able to fake the load situation, but at least having fluid circle in the rack on the bench and turnin it end to end will show if there is any major problem before installing it in the car.