C5 X7 Steering Rack - Again!

[Paul-R]

Ouch, that's a kick in the nuts after having your hopes raised Marc.

How come that it couldn't be spotted before? Or at least it was spotted, identified and then changed.

[xantia_v6]

Not trying a Speedi-sleeve or Redi-sleeve?

[GiveMeABreak]

We only looked at it up on the ramp and from underneath on the initial look and that's where we saw the leak from what appeared to be coming from the LP pipe - but now they have it in properly and cleaned up, they can see it is dripping from the pinion.

It also looks thoroughly rusted again at the pinion!

So I really need to know where the best place to get one from - as usual I've read a few posts and lost the relevant ones about getting an exchange rack - that has been properly refurbed - any suggestions out there chaps?

[GiveMeABreak]

I've just contacted Steering Specialists - the same one that Pete (Milleplod) has recently used for a price.

[GiveMeABreak]

Not trying a Speedi-sleeve or Redi-sleeve?

Not at this point Mike - I haven't read too much on those yet.

[GiveMeABreak]

I've just contacted Steering Specialists - the same one that Pete (Milleplod) has recently used for a price.

These don't have any in stock - wait for it... their "best selling rack" I asked about their preventative technique - but they declined to discuss that in an email - so maybe a speedy seal after all?...

So I've now contacted Autosteer Direct who incidentally offer a 3 year warranty over the 18 months of 'Steering Specialists' - fingers crossed they have one in stock....

[milleplod]

I've just contacted Steering Specialists - the same one that Pete (Milleplod) has recently used for a price.

These don't have any in stock - wait for it... their "best selling rack" I asked about their preventative technique - but they declined to discuss that in an email - so maybe a speedy seal after all?...

So I've now contacted Autosteer Direct who incidentally offer a 3 year warranty over the 18 months of 'Steering Specialists' - fingers crossed they have one in stock....

They told me that they machine the shaft and use an oversize seal, then pressure-test to much higher than service pressures. They also grease the area after refitting. I forgot to add that they also did a repair on the LP pipe for me as it was so badly corroded. Autosteer Direct might have one in stock - the one I sent back! I bought one from them originally, the plan being to get my mate to fit it, but it was more convenient to let Steering Specialists do the whole lot...plus, of course, the whole job is then warranted. Autosteer Direct got the rack back 11 or 12 days ago, and I'm still waiting for a refund btw!

Pete

[GiveMeABreak]

Righto Pete thanks - I have just heard back from them as I wanted to make sure it was the right one and they weren't aware that there were 2 types - so I informed him of the 180 and 184 degree angle racks - mine being the 180 version. So I hope that they have one.... At this rate I think we should all be engraving our usernames on the exchange racks so we all know whose got whose rack!

[bobins]

I know nothing of how good the company are, but this lot seem to know about the C5 racks:

http://www.powerracksdirect.co.uk/Citroen-C5

[white exec]

Several times in the past I've marked service-exchange/refurb parts unobtrusively - eg a few centrepunch dots, or filed notch - so I could tell whether I'd got my own parts back, or something else, or even whether something had been opened up or not!
Always a bit of a gamble using unproven repairers until there some sort of track record.

[milleplod]

I know nothing of how good the company are, but this lot seem to know about the C5 racks:

http://www.powerracksdirect.co.uk/Citroen-C5

I tried them when I was shopping around - they won't sell to a private buyer, only the trade as the rack is a 'safety related item', which I thought was a bit odd!

Pete

[GiveMeABreak]

@ Robin: Thanks for that link - I just took a chance and ordered for £349 from Autosteer Direct before you posted - with £150 returnable exchange:
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Citroen-C5-P ... Sw945bBpAs

@ Chris: I wonder if I'll be getting Pete's? There were 2 available and now that leaves 1

But it will be good to build up a picture of different suppliers.... So take note steering rack suppliers - you are being watched!

[milleplod]

@ Robin: Thanks for that link - I just took a chance and ordered for £349 from Autosteer Direct before you posted - with £150 returnable exchange:
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Citroen-C5-P ... Sw945bBpAs

@ Chris: I wonder if I'll be getting Pete's? There were 2 available and now that leaves 1

But it will be good to build up a picture of different suppliers.... So take note steering rack suppliers - you are being watched!

Just keep an eye on them regarding the refund, something seems a bit 'wrong' in the way they action it. I paid via their eBay listing (I called them direct and asked if it was any cheaper buying off eBay...it wasn't!) using Paypal and my registered credit card. On deciding to get the rack done in a different way, I contacted them regarding a return, which was no problem at all. I returned it, they acknowledged receipt a few days later, said they'd done the refund.... and here I am 11 or 12 days down the line waiting for my (well, Lloyds'!) money! I thought it was odd when I was told the refund would take 5 to 7 working days to show up on my card - why? I've just had one done, same method of payment, that's gone back to my card the same day it was actioned by the retailer. The refund for the rack then 'failed' according to Paypal, and when I contacted them they said 'we'll re-do it, it'll be another 5 to 7 working days before it shows up'! Hmmmmm...annoying indeed!

Pete

[bobins]

I know nothing of how good the company are, but this lot seem to know about the C5 racks:

http://www.powerracksdirect.co.uk/Citroen-C5

I tried them when I was shopping around - they won't sell to a private buyer, only the trade as the rack is a 'safety related item', which I thought was a bit odd!

Pete

I was aware they only supply to trade, so when I was shopping around for a rack last year I spoke to the little country garage that I use for MOTs and they said they'd basically order the rack from Powerracks for me then let me know when it was delivered so I could take it home and fit it myself I the end I got a very low mileage second hand genuine Citroen replacement one - so it must be about ready for another one by now

[GiveMeABreak]

waiting for my (well, Lloyds'!) money! I thought it was odd when I was told the refund would take 5 to 7 working days to show up on my card - why? I've just had one done, same method of payment, that's gone back to my card the same day it was actioned by the retailer. The refund for the rack then 'failed' according to Paypal, and when I contacted them they said 'we'll re-do it, it'll be another 5 to 7 working days before it shows up'! Hmmmmm...annoying indeed!

Pete

Maybe it's to do with all that crap that Lloyds have had lately Pete - I've paid via credit card outside instead of PayPal , so should have that added peace of mind at least.

They have been quite helpful at the moment - this is what they said regarding the 2 types of racks:

I think it maybe something to do with the spaces in the rack bar and not the actual angle of the pinion.

We send them all out with spaces on and at a guess i think the one with the 16inch wheels does not have spacers and the 17 inch does.

Take the spacers off and the rack will travel slightly further.

Anyway we will send you the rack and if you check it against the rack you have before you fit it.