C5 X7 Steering Rack - Again!

[darbuck]

The diameter at the red arrow is 40mm. The internal diameter where the dust seal sits (blue arrow) is a good old fashioned inch.

Hi lads,

Stupid question does the bolt on the lump serve any real purpose or do I need to be careful of it.? What I mean is it a locating pin for the rack. I know it has been discussed to death but I am making sure I am not Missing anything in my planning.

This may help as well for anyone else who is going on this endeavor.

[darbuck]

Found this video very interesting

[GiveMeABreak]

I've just had a friend over and we got to talking about our past cars and MOTs, so called up our cars to see if there were any issues and guess what....

When I looked at my last C5 X7 from which prompted me to create this thread, I see the following at the October 2022 MOT:

Offside Front Power steering component has slight seepage from a component (2.1.5 (a))

If it's the high pressure pipe then that's no longer available... I still can't get over the entire shambles the steering racks and PS system on the X7 is - this should of been subject to a recall and if we were in the states I suspect there would of been class action suits over this.

[myglaren]

The cessation of parts essential manufacture so early in the models life is quite deplorable.

[Paul-R]

Is the lack or parts an issue for LHD cars as well? Maybe the low sales of cars to the UK (and Ireland?) is a factor in this?

[GiveMeABreak]

It is Paul, both LHD & RHD vehicles affected, but there are huge variations in the pipe parts based on suspension type and engine, but looking at my Hydractive equivalent in LHD, many pipes are NFP.

Whether the actual leak issue is more prevalent on the RHD models is hard to say, but this may well be a factor, as I doubt the French would put up with such a scandal.

[darbuck]

I suppose current owners are going to have to be inventive to keep these going. I have noticed a significant difficulty getting parts nearly all Available parts seem to be used or refurbished. I wonder how many Peugeot parts are interchangeable with the x7. For example the strut tower looks identical on the 407. It is a disgrace the complete lack of engagement from Citroen. The high pressure pipes on the rack look like A/C pipes would a flared connection not be more useful there on a threaded fitting more typical of hydraulic fittings.

[MattBLancs]

Hi lads,

Stupid question does the bolt on the lump serve any real purpose or do I need to be careful of it.? What I mean is it a locating pin for the rack. I know it has been discussed to death but I am making sure I am not Missing anything in my planning.

No stupid questions in my book. Am sure I have read something that did say why the redundant lump / stud is there (will have to have a dig as can't recall the answer!) But my understanding is it's not on our models - that sets me wondering if the C6 uses same rack as I know there's an extra layer of suspension magic on those (variable orifice valve, gives variable damping I think, can't recall the name of it) - if is common rack to C5 and C6 that could explain it.

I've also read of someone who machined it off on the lathe (the whole alloy lump, not just the steel stud) and am sure of another who used a CV stretch boot to fit over the lump left as is.


Definitely not a silly question, can't "over plan" if you ask me and the more we know the higher the chance of success!

[MattBLancs]

407 very similar suspension setup, would imagine non hydraulic X7 and 407 models largely identical.

Changing connection type, alloy pipe with O ring in groove. I know Jaybruce was considering taping a thread in this and changing connection type.

However, to my mind this isn't time well spent: and the connection doesn't leak routinely because it's a poor design, but because it is a poor choice of materials. As such I suggested a fitting be made that seals to the rack by the standard method, and then use that fitting to switch to standard hydraulic hoses and fittings (made from less vulnerable materials)

This would save the need to machine the rack or otherwise risk swarf from altering rack connections to enter the inner workings.

This would then allow the poor pipe issue to be fixed as a separate task to the corroded pinion = failed lip seal problem.

All up for debate obviously, and several answers are viable and plusses and minuses to each.



I agree the need to reverse engineer, recreate and generally improvise isn't what I expected with such a young vehicle!

[GiveMeABreak]

I think you're referring to AMVAR on the C6 Matt, which has different suspension struts with actuators on each for the variable damping as you said. V6 models have 4 height correctors too, one on each wheel.

I can't remember what the lump on the rack is for, I'm sure I did post about it eons ago though somewhere!

[darbuck]

Thanks Matt I plan to remove the lump and fit a silicone gaiter when complete I think cutting it off is the way to go. I am concerned about lining up the shaft but I should be able to mark the tooth to the valve block before fully separating it. Rust will spread so rust remedy and chemical bonded sleeve is my plan for the exposed section. I have the luxury of another car for the moment but I need to get it on the road or it will be divorce courts I think

I think the C6 rack is completely different if memory serves me right plus the C6 are rarer than x7's here.
A bit of a unicorn.
I am hoping to develop a permanent fix. I think we will need to consider finding a method to sleeve the exposed section of shaft as inevitably the boot will fail.
As how to do this is another question paint is not a great solution to me given the propensity for rust I don't mind reverse engineering but like you I didn't expect so much of it on one car.
As for the Peugeot parts I think this is where our pool of parts are going to come from for the foreseeable future.

I agree it's totally unreasonable of a manufacturer to shrug responsibility in the manner this has happened.

I like tinkering so I am kind of enjoying it but I think I would prefer something a bit less to do with safety but I won't do anything I am not convinced will work.

I have a friend that does hydraulic hoses so that might be something.
One concern is my fluid tank has a disturbing green hue off it , it is mostly brown but I think someone topped up with LHM so I need to drain it anyway.

[darbuck]

Yes Marc, I think you said it was for a part that was only on select models now that you say it. unfortunately, I think the CV boot didn't work as well as the gaiter method. I found this other breakdown video its a bit messy but it shows the bush is not screwed in so cooking in the oven would be optimal.

[MattBLancs]

I think you're referring to AMVAR on the C6 Matt, which has different suspension struts with actuators on each for the variable damping as you said. V6 models have 4 height correctors too, one on each wheel.

I can't remember what the lump on the rack is for, I'm sure I did post about it eons ago though somewhere!

AMVAR - yes that's it!

I'll have a dig tomorrow, am sure I've read the lump's purpose described and most likely on here somewhere

[MattBLancs]

Thanks Matt I plan to remove the lump and fit a silicone gaiter when complete I think cutting it off is the way to go. I am concerned about lining up the shaft but I should be able to mark the tooth to the valve block before fully separating it. Rust will spread so rust remedy and chemical bonded sleeve is my plan for the exposed section. I have the luxury of another car for the moment but I need to get it on the road or it will be divorce courts I think

I think the C6 rack is completely different if memory serves me right plus the C6 are rarer than x7's here.
A bit of a unicorn.
I am hoping to develop a permanent fix. I think we will need to consider finding a method to sleeve the exposed section of shaft as inevitably the boot will fail.
As how to do this is another question paint is not a great solution to me given the propensity for rust I don't mind reverse engineering but like you I didn't expect so much of it on one car.
As for the Peugeot parts I think this is where our pool of parts are going to come from for the foreseeable future.

I agree it's totally unreasonable of a manufacturer to shrug responsibility in the manner this has happened.

I like tinkering so I am kind of enjoying it but I think I would prefer something a bit less to do with safety but I won't do anything I am not convinced will work.

I have a friend that does hydraulic hoses so that might be something.
One concern is my fluid tank has a disturbing green hue off it , it is mostly brown but I think someone topped up with LHM so I need to drain it anyway.

Redundant lump: Agree it's in the way and a gaiter/ boot/ etc is much more likely to get a good seal with the housing taken back to a round cylinder. There's a lovely picture of one that was chopped off then made round in the lathe, think that would be the gold standard.

Having thought about that, if going to the trouble of getting it mounted in the lathe (4 jaw or face plate I'd think given shape of the bit which interfaces with the rack) I'd consider machining in some grooves etc to give something to properly clip the boot onto.

I too can "get by" without the C5 in the short term but want it functional. Too many if these common faults are in the categories "potential to leave you stranded" or otherwise "going nowhere" and it's compounded by these parts unavailability. Think also the C5 is just that little bit too rare for the aftermarket to really tackle it's shortcomings - if this was a BMW 3 series or Mondeo or something sold in huge numbers, it could be equally problematic but likely would have an industry tackling it's common faults (e.g. BMW timing chain issues)

So failing that it's just a case of being resourceful! Which it seems we are

Paint I agree isn't best solution, easily damaged, but equally, easiest to repair damaged coating to help slow the rust.


Am sure I've read here of some rack refurbished companies plating (chrome?) The pinion shaft to improve its corrosion resistance. I guess that's a good option. Chrome: hard and good surface finish, so compatible with lip seal running surface.
Galvanising/ zinc coating: good corrosion resistance but less able to support the lip seal.

If you've selected a silicone gaiter, can you post a link? one more question potentially ticked off for this project

[darbuck]

I agree, something similar to a CV joint recessed groove to take a clip. An epoxy or urethane paint may help if a plater can't be found. Link to silicone boots I bought below.
Boots I had originally bought
but then discovered ours are piped aswell. So ended up buying another set aswell. I will have spares if nothing else .

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/B09N8Z ... UTF8&psc=1#