x7 steering rack - Gone again

[Houdi]

Hi, New to forum here

Got a problem with pipes to steering rack leaking on C5 X7 Estate exclusive.
This was diagnosed by a local independant specialist, haven't looked myself yet.
Problem is I have been told one pipe is only available direct from France at £180 and the other one not available at all.

At the moment we are trying to source decent second hand parts, so far with no success.

Do you think just replacing O rings would be worth a try, there seems to be suitable alternatives to Citroen parts available.

Would I need to depressurise the suspension to disconnect the pipes to the steering rack?

Also would I be ok topping up LDS without depressurising the system.

No panic yet, haven't had to top up fluid level since diagnosis a couple of weeks ago.

Any ideas or help greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Houdi

[GiveMeABreak]

Hi and welcome. Really sorry to hear of your problem - but not uncommon for us X7 owners. Pop up your VIN and I'll check status of parts.

First I would suggest having a read through these posts:

viewtopic.php?f=3&t=60155&hilit=steering+rack

viewtopic.php?f=3&t=58498&hilit=steering+rack

Most of us who have had this are now on our second or third racks now.... Be sure it is not the rack - which typically leaks from the pinion shaft after it rusts and destroys the seals, leading to rapid internal contamination of seals.

The suspension circuit only shares the LDS reservoir with the power steering - it is not on the same hydraulic circuit, so no need to depressurise the suspension circuit.

LDS should always be topped up with the car on the lowest suspension setting and checked - refer to correct levels in my post linked to above.

[Houdi]

Hi
Thanks for the reply.
Yes before I do anything I am going to have a look myself first.
I was only aware of problem when suspension wouldn't raise properly.

Vin No is VF7**************[VIN obfuscated, can be read by forum staff]

Would appreciate status of parts availability.

Again thanks for your help
Houdi

[GiveMeABreak]

Ok, so this is quite interesting...

You have the DW10CTED4 163 engine and on this model the Low Pressure Supply Pipe to the PAS is not available on Citroen parts - in that it is simply not listed. Yet on other engines like mine (DW10BTED4) it is available.

Can you identify if it is pipe 2 or other from this diagram - Click image to zoom it up.

[Houdi]

Hi
This must have been what the previous mechanic found out.
Will let you know after I've managed to get car on ramps.

Thanks
Houdi

[bobins]

If it is pipe 2 in the diagram then the old one can be removed and new one fitted without too much drama. The pipe splits at point 9 in the diagram and you only actually need to replace the section from '9' on the diagram towards the rack. The 'S' bend section of the pipe at number '4' doesn't need to be touched.

[GiveMeABreak]

It's odd that they won't supply pipe 2 for his engine though Robin - how different can a DW10BTED4 one be I wonder....

[bobins]

I do know that there were various evolutions of 'pipe 2' over the years. The 'S' bend seemed to come and go on a whim with each new part number. I think there were a few minor changes of clamp/bolt down positions as well, but none of them were show-stoppers. I'd be inclined to think it's more cock-up than conspiracy on Citroen's part
I do think the problem with these pipes is that - in common with other manufacturer's - they're intended to be single use fitment as there's a 'crushable' element to the pipe where it enters the steering rack.
I do have a spare 'pipe 2' in the shed if comparisons need to be made

[GiveMeABreak]

Sounds very likely.

[Homer]

Ok, so this is quite interesting...

You have the DW10CTED4 163 engine and on this model the Low Pressure Supply Pipe to the PAS is not available on Citroen parts - in that it is simply not listed. Yet on other engines like mine (DW10BTED4) it is available.

I had the same engine, when my local garage ordered the pipes Citroen supplied the newer two section pipe. Strange it's not listed on the Citroen service site as a superseded component.

[Houdi]

Hi
Just talked to garage who did the original diagnostic, gave them the engine ref (DW10BTED4),
They couldn't find the part
Anyone got a part no for this?

Thanks
Houdi

[GiveMeABreak]

The are a few variations - what are you looking for - the part number for the DW10BTED4 engine for pipe 2?

[Houdi]

Had a look under car at weekend.
LDS everywhere!!
Also pinion shaft looked wet so far from convinced if leak is just from pipe seals or pipe seals at all.
Previous garage didn't seem to think leak on pinion shaft was an issue.
Time for second opinion I think, possibly Citroen themselves taking careful note on what they want to charge.
Thanks for your help everyone.
Houdi

[Stickyfinger]

You really cannot tell from under the car, take 20mins and look via the inspection port in the drivers foot-well.
Any leak @ the pinion seal will give an MOT fail, the garage should be concerned.

[KennyW]

Well got around to refitting the hp & lp power steering pipes on the pinion, everything went well eventually, and both pipes are flush to pinion and new seals fitted.

Last change was done in November 2018,previously when rack was changed last March/April 2018.

Lets see how long this lasts.

Kenny