x7 steering rack - Gone again

[KennyW]

It's gone again the pinion valve is leaking, thought I would check the seals, saw fluid on sub frame, check steering pipes no leak but signs of fluid so removed rubber cover in driver's footwell and there it is leaking LDS fluid.
Another one for the list.
Will have to consider my options.

Kenny

[GiveMeABreak]

I take it you only replaced the seal then Kenny? Most of us here have found this no good - the whole thing has to be replaced once it has been contaminated with rust and the like.

My latest one is a non-Citroen rack, that was completely refurbished and coated in a protective paint, after a brand new Citroen one failed in a few years. I also did the boot mod on this one to afford it some additional water splashing protection. Price was excellent - from Autosteer Direct on the bay. But there are others now offering refurbs for a decent price.

[KennyW]

Yes I only did the seals. Pipes are both flush with the pinion valve. So that was good. This rack was a reconditioned rack bought in March last year.
So did you buy new power steering pipes ?

Kenny

[GiveMeABreak]

No, just the rack Kenny - it's possible the PS pipes were done at the dealer, under warranty when they did the rack before last. I never got the invoice for that though, so can't check for sure. On this latest rack, the PS seals alone were replaced as the pipes were in good nick.

[admiral51]

Can i just ask if the rack issue is more prone to failure on the wet suspension X7 compared to steel suspension ?

[bobins]

They're all as bad as each other, unfortunately

[Sloppysod]

Can i just ask if the rack issue is more prone to failure on the wet suspension X7 compared to steel suspension ?

Sorry to hear another rack has gone after about 18 months, however, I don't think it's anything to do with the fuild (s) as I think both will have the same working pressure. The fact that the pinion shaft is not corrosion resistant and prone to water contamination/corrosion. Basically a faulty design.

[KennyW]

Thanks for all the replies,

Marc, That's good to know as my pipes are not rusted or damaged. Just need more new seals.

Stu, You are correct it's poor design especially when it happens across the complete range.

Kenny

[Sloppysod]

Pipes tip - when I replaced my rack(s) I disconnected the pipes and undone the clamps along their length to cut down on stress at the joint.

[KennyW]

Well the good news, the rack came with a 3 year warranty, but I don't know if the leak from the pinion is part of the warranty.
They are going to pick the rack take it away have a look and let me know.
If it is covered by the warranty it will be repaired for free and returned to me.
Fingers cross it is covered.

All I have to do is remove the rack!!!!!!!!!!!!

Kenny

[KennyW]

Well here's an update, waited for slot of good weather and removed subframe on Saturday. Will replace 2 subframe bolts at front flexi-joints, they are the tight ones and one was quite badly pitted with rust. Otherwise no major problems just minor irritations.

Rack to be returned for examination hopefully repaired at no cost to me.

With subframe off it will be easier to fit steering rack and pipes.

Stu, doing this way will ensure pipes are fitted properly and sealed. It would appear I got a good seal on the pipes before I realised what the true problem was.

Kenny

[Stickyfinger]

Basically a faulty design.

This 100%

[KennyW]

Well guys, Rack is due back today with a new set of pinion seals repaired under the warranty. I would love to know what caused the seals to go so quickly.
I'll do the mod on the pinion and refit.
Hopefully no further problems.
Kenny

[electronmirror]

Does anyone know if this type of rack, complete with design fault, is also fitted to the Peugeot 508 of the same year of manufacture (2008 onward).

Several months ago I asked the same question on the Pug section of the forum but got no replies at all.

[GiveMeABreak]

They are similar, but have different part numbers on a comparison using the same engine for example (DW10BTED4 with particle filter). Unfortunately as there are a multitude of rack part numbers for the X7 - it would take too long to cross reference every one. They are different for the engine types / power steering types etc., so you have a stack of options before you start comparing. There is no way to tell what the differences are as they are visually very similar.