V70 Steering Rack replacement: some questions

[Radler]

I think the LHS on LHD cars is fairly easy to do without removing the rack. The RHS is a rack out job from what I have read due to lack of good access.

Like you say, there are kits out there to repair them. In this case it looks like the RH main seal has blown out.

As to whether to repair or replace, that depends on if there is anywhere in Europe you can get a decent rebuilt unit and what it costs.

Replacing the seals may well work, it just depends on how confident you are to do it.

A replacement rack should have a warranty.

Neil.

Replacing the seal with the rack in place is something I didn't consider. I gotta research a bit if it's doable. Thank you for the tip.

[Radler]

May be worthwhile, if you can, to power wash the underside of car before doing the rack. You can expect lots of crud falling into your eyes if doing it at ground level and not on a full car lift. Messy and unpleasant job to do in a driveway. Good luck.

That's definitely some good advise.

[Radler]

I found this video of someone who did something similar on a Focus. Interestingly enough, he mentions that the leak at the rack happened after replacing the steering pump as well.

[hausmeister]

might be that the newer pump simply provides more pressure and blows out already failing seals.

(I was doing a bit of research as I thought mine was leaking, but it seems fine so far.)
I have bought the reseal kit from skandix just as a precaution, I think I would try to do it myself first, if needed. There are also shops that rebuild them, eg https://www.ihrlenkungsspezialist.de (not cheap), not sure that makes sense if it is still available as new/refurb.

[Radler]

What I can not find is what the nut locking the seal looks like, in order to anticipate what tools we are gonna need for this job. Is there any special tool required?

[Radler]

might be that the newer pump simply provides more pressure and blows out already failing seals.

(I was doing a bit of research as I thought mine was leaking, but it seems fine so far.)
I have bought the reseal kit from skandix just as a precaution, I think I would try to do it myself first, if needed. There are also shops that rebuild them, eg https://www.ihrlenkungsspezialist.de (not cheap), not sure that makes sense if it is still available as new/refurb.

Danke sehr.

Right now my approach would be to replace the right seal and add some LecWec (oil thickener) to the steering fluid to prevent new leaks. If this seal gave up due to the new pump it's easy to think the other seals may not be in good shape either.

[hausmeister]

kein Problem

I would really replace all of them, because as you said, maybe the other side blows out next and you get to have this fun all over again. Oil thickener would also increase the pressure... so not sure that is a good idea.

Sorry, I haven't done this, but don't think a nut is holding it in. Watch some videos how to do it, should be similar. If you are unsure might be best to have it done or simply get a new rack. I still think it is a pretty big job for home mechanics.