C5 x7 steering rack leak

[GiveMeABreak]

Well you might be right - but at the prices of the last 2 in the post, you could afford to take a chance maybe. Can they really be any worse than the official Citroen ones? If my original rack needed replacing at 60k miles, I can't see these others being any worse. To be honest replacing the steering rack has been almost unheard of in my experience until now. I just hope they made some mods on the replacement I had

[vborovic]

A few days ago my car developed a symptom that I think is directly related with my steering rack leak (in the beginning) ... when the car stays still for a while (engine turned off), after ignition, while static, if I try to turn the steering wheel to any side, even just slightly, I feel the feedback of something rugged or like some extra pressure is holding the steering wheel ... after a couple of full turns from one side to the other (again, while static) the "problem" solves itself, and afterwards the steering wheel turning is smooth as it should be ... is it due to the servo fluid leaking and lowering the pressure (until it gets pumped back) or is this a sign of something more serious, that would require immediate attention?

[GiveMeABreak]

@ Vborovic: A couple of things come to mind. As you've just upgraded your wheels to a bigger size there's more rubber on the width of the tyre - more resistance?, I'm guessing that the tracking / wheel alignment may need checking too since the upgrade? secondly, there are Hydraulic Steering pumps for different models of the C5 - so I'm wondering if these have increased power depending on weight / tyre sizes? There's at least a 4007YP, 400807, 4009R6, 4007XY & 4007SJ and on top of these, there seem to be some recommended replacements too depending on RPO. They've also replaced the power steering mounting to the subframe from a crimp with a nut to a clip - not sure why, but must be a reason. Have you tried clearing any air leaks (engine running, lock to lock several times) as these are self bleeding - but if you have low LDS fluid levels - you could be sucking in some air?
As far as I know - the leaks will be from either the supply/return pipes on the rack or from a damaged seal due to the corrosion issue at the union - but fluid should be visible if a bad leak?

[vborovic]

The tyres were my first "suspect", but immediately after fitting them, with 1 week of driving behind me, maybe slightly more, I never noticed anything wrong ... this started happening a few days ago ... and like I've said, when the car is not moving (after resting a bit), the "sound" and "feel" are present for a few seconds and then go away with turning the wheel in both directions, while the car is still static ... this shouldn't have anything to do with the tyres width and wheel tracking ...

That's the thing that bothers me, nothing can be found below the car, no greasy marks ... as it was explained to me after the last service, the leak is so small on the rack, that whatever comes out evaporates/dries before having the chance to drip on the road below the car ...

[Stickyfinger]

Even if it evaporates (which I cannot imagine is correct) there would still be a build up of material which would be "wet".

Get some talcum powder and dust the area, this will show any leak however small it may be. (use on a dry day )

[vborovic]

this will show any leak however small it may be. (use on a dry day )

No ... seriously? ...

[Hell Razor5543]

I would suggest you also use the talcum powder on a still day, otherwise it will go everywhere.

[Stickyfinger]

[vborovic]

I would suggest you also use the talcum powder on a still day, otherwise it will go everywhere.

Now, this one might be hard to pull off, because where I live, the Scottish folks would feel at home, due to all the wind ...

[Hell Razor5543]

Ah, that WOULD make them feel even more at home, what with the 'snow' as well!

[Stickyfinger]

But you could do it with the car static on a dry day ?

[vborovic]

@ James - actually, we had snow from this morning, stopped just a short while ago ...

@ Alasdair - Of course it could be done, I'll have to start from somewhere anyways

[osx]

I replaced the rack under warranty at about 70k. Cost would have been in excess of £1k otherwise. The new rack seemed to offer some protection from corrosion at the area so people are clearly aware of the problem. Hopefully this one will last for much longer.

[Lighty]

I have an old one from a C5 with a rusty shaft, that needs repairing. I would sell it on for £150 if someone needs a unit to refurb. Otherwise I shall get it done myself.

[osx]

Better to check first if it can be repaired as not all of them can - especially with rusty shafts.