Steering rack refurb recommendations ?

[GiveMeABreak]

Had mine done at about 66k - as soon as it started leaking oil - didn't hang about and had the revised rack fitted under warranty. It really depends on factors such as where you live i.e. - does it rain a lot, do you drive it in the wet a lot, through flooded roads - are you by the sea, etc., There's too many factors like this to say for sure, but ultimately it is likely to go if an original, unless you have had it well-greased before now. I suspect if it hasn't been looked at before considering the current mileage, it could only be a matter of time - very hard to say...

[bobins]

My X7 C5 is on 88,000 miles (2010 plate) and has no mention of the steering rack ever being replaced, should i be expecting the worse?

To answer your question directly - Yes

My 2009 one held out until 88k, then started leaking. Not a bad leak when I noticed it and I got to it before I needed to top up the steering fluid reservoir, but it was leaking and it was only going to get worse. My second hand replacement one had already been fitted to the donor car as a replacement - that car had only done 32k in total - though it was a 2008 model, so although mileage has an effect, it's really a combination of mileage and driving conditions and pot-luck as to when they need replacing.
You can check the condition of the pinion by both getting to it via the footwell, or by looking through the drivers roadwheel and pointing a torch to where the pinion goes into the rack. It does help if you know exactly where to look, but the 'roadwheel' method only takes about 30 seconds to do. You're looking for any dampness in the area or any drips coming off of the pipework or rack where the pinion is.