C5 X7 Steering Rack - Again!

[jgra1]

ok all, just in time for the weather! I am to change racks..

I will re-read the topic carefully, am in no great rush. One question, suspension settings before I start? fully up?

thanks
J

[KennyW]

John,

when I've done my rack's, note the plural, it has been in the lowest setting. Most of the fluid is in the tank and it is easier to remove from there.

I also replace with new LDS fluid. You'll need at least 5 Litres

Kenny

[jgra1]

thanks Kenny, the fluid in there is new I think the suspension upper arm bush replacement in Spring, caused the car to be off the road for some time, and that's when the leak started at the rack! a case of use it or lose it!

so, at that point a fair amount of new fluid went in (3 or 4L) and would be good to keep it (IF its still in there)

I will make sure car is lowered, possibly depressurised too, when I begin.

The recon rack has some unbknown hydaulic fluid in it, I am hopeful I can through flush it out before I fit.. somehow

[KennyW]

John,

Depressurise the system first and then clamp the supply pipe and return pipe. It minimises the fluid loss.

Thats fluid which they add to test the operation and for leaks from the seals installed in refurb. Flush this out with spare LDS fluid and if you can add some into the rack.

I found the complete removal of the sub-frame was easier in the long run. Fitted rack into position but didn't fully tighten sub frame to rack to allow fitting of HP (supply) and LP (return) pipes. It is easier access then raised sub-frame and secured rack.

Do you have the removal and fitting guide.

Kenny

[lexi]

I'll probably get myself one of these C7 and join in the steering fun as I feel I'm missing out.
I mean, I like a good rack as much as the next man

[Adam82]

Hi,
Just removed my rack.
How have the Viton orings held up?

I'm thinking I have two options.

1. Attempt a repair/modify of the pinion shaft and housing with a new seal.
2. Buy a refubished rack. (https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Citroen-C5-P ... 3458338664).

Adam.

[GiveMeABreak]

Well sorry to see that Adam, but it looks like yours won't be too far off going!

All I can tell you is I bought mine from Autosteer and it is doing fine. I can't help but feel nothing but anger towards PSA for this fiasco and if we were in the States, they would of had to have recalled all these and replaced them by now given the numbers of failures - it's just unheard of.

[Adam82]

Hi Marc,
Yes It's a bit annoying after all the front suspension work I did earlier this year, £££.
Covid hit, didn't drive the car for 4 months. Hardly added any miles since.
Saw an oil mark on the road and thought I pinched the gearbox seal when I removed the passenger drive shaft. Nope wrong side… Jacked the car up and saw LDS oil all over the drivers side of the sub frame.

How have your Viton O-Ring’s been doing? I’m about to order some.

[Sloppysod]

Hi Adam,
Replaced mine in September/December 2017, 30,000 Ish miles ago, seals doing okay no problems yet - Fingers crossed.
Bought then from Simply Bearings, 2mm Section 8mm Bore VITON Rubber O-Rings - 2GE81, 2mm Section 9mm Bore VITON Rubber O-Rings - 2AF53.
Good luck, not the best of jobs in the great Autum/Winter weather, I know, I replced mine three times between September & December, first rack was very stiff, 2nd was the wrong rack just could not get it to track, third is perfect!!
Tip - appart from clamping of the resevoir flow and return pipes I also got a small soft flexible pipe (screen washer size) and tie wrapped it to the small pipes to stop fuid leak and dirt ingress.

[Adam82]

Hi Stu,
Got properly drenched yesterday finishing a coolant flush. At least today there was no rain.

O-Rings ordered!

I completely lowered the subframe this afternoon with the anti roll bar removed also. Then I removed the rack from the sub frame all together. Removed most of the pipe fastening clips so that I could gently pull the rack paritaly out the driver side, (pipes still connected to the rank). Popped a bucket under the rack ready with plastic pipe blanks to immediately block the pipe ends.

The rack is now off the car, I blanked the holes and pressure washed it with the subframe as both were covered with oil and grime. It looks like it has been weeping for a long time.

It’s not too much of a bad job and it is not fiderly. I dread to think if the turbo went, it’s right up in there... I just got really annoyed when I broke both of these stupid plastic nut clips for two of the main subframe bolts.

Adam.

[jgra1]

ahh we have all broke those Adam

I fitted the rack from lionautomotive on ebay, £170 i think. and its holding fine so far! I haven' t checked it recently.

Exc C5, also on 19's!
John

[Peter.N.]

I'm still topping mine up.

Peter

[white exec]

How are the boot-protected ones doing?

[GiveMeABreak]

No worries on mine.

[Sloppysod]

How are the boot-protected ones doing?

Haven't looked, but my drive is still dry....................but the first rack lasted 58,000 (ish) so with that in mind would not expect any issues at least until 100,000 miles.............