HDi hydraulic power steering leaking ram

[xsara92]

Hi all

My Xsara Picasso has a leaky steering ram.
The situation does not appear to be deteriorating - the steering has probably 90% of its power. I do however have a squeaky steering wheel but this started after I was forced to drive down a bumpy track and so I don't think is connected to hydraulics.
My issue is - I would like to change the fluid which is old and dirty, to see if this does 'restore' best steering.
With a leaky ram, is this a bad idea? Could I end up losing the fluid from the system and then need a new ram?
I have read on here about cars failing the MOT due to leaky rams. Is there any rule of thumb how bad it has to be for this to happen?
Thanks.

[mickthemaverick]

Any detectable leak of oil based product can result in a failure. I'd bite the bullet and replace the ram and the fluid as a proper job.

[xsara92]

Thanks Mick for sharing this opinion.
Only thought it provokes from me is a bit of surprise that my garage advised having a go at changing the fluid as they would have seen the steering issue on the last MOT I'd have thought...
A second garage did not flag the ram as a MOT failure in waiting, the one thing they advised I need to do are the rack gaiters though I dunno if they are connected with this issue.

[xsara92]

A simpler question also:
Are the labour costs for replacing a whole steering rack similar to just the ram, or much higher?

[mickthemaverick]

According to Peugeot Servicebox the ram replacement is 1 hours work and the rack replacement is 2 hours 24mins. Draw your own conclusions depending on the labour rate! While I was on there I saw that the ball joint gaiter replacement is 42 minutes, and the rack gaiters 42 mins each side.

[xsara92]

Thank you Mick didn't know there was a lookup for labour times