PAS rack

Unread post by **KennyW** » 20 Nov 2008, 10:08

Good Morning,

My rubber gaiter has split on the PAS rack and requires replacing.

My question is does the rack need to be removed to replace it

Unread post by **RichardW** » 20 Nov 2008, 10:11

Which side? Both can be replced in situ - but - the drivers side is easy, the passenger side is a git - the official procedure for that one is remoe the rack, dismantle it, fit the gaiter from the drivers side first, reassemble rck, refit it to the car. Alternatively, buy a stretchy gaiter and fit it from the passenger side, with the rack still in

Unread post by **KennyW** » 20 Nov 2008, 10:25

Thanks for the reply Richard,

I'll have to go under the car and check but knowing my luck at the moment it will be the passenger's side.

Unread post by **KennyW** » 20 Nov 2008, 11:34

Further update, the lhm leak would appear to be where the UJ joins the rack itself.

Is there a seal located there or is it more complicated

Any suggestions gratefully received.

Unread post by **CitroJim** » 20 Nov 2008, 12:41

Kenny,

Is it the pinion valve leaking rather than the gaiter? If theres LHM leaking from a gaiter or in the vicinity of the UJ that goes to the steering column then it's almost certain to be failed seals on the pinion valve.

Martin (Pleiades) can rebuild them.

Unread post by **KennyW** » 20 Nov 2008, 13:01

Yes Jim it is leaking from the rack as described not the gaiter.

Clogzz · Unread post by **Clogzz** » 20 Nov 2008, 13:26

Hi Kenny,

I’ve had LHM leaking from the pinion seal, caused by a low accumulator, and it came good after replacing the accumulator.

Here is a very interesting topic where Pleiades explains that a low accumulator causes pressurisation of the LHM return side:

http://www.frenchcarforum.co.uk/forum/v ... hp?t=25142

Unread post by **KennyW** » 20 Nov 2008, 13:34

Hi Clogzzs,

Nice to hear fron you and thanks for your reply,

I changed my sphere earlier this year and its the press reg is working fine.

I believe my problem stems from my other thread non starting car due to the fuel pump ( another story)

In order for me to get it going I've to give a push start and then she runs fine. I think i've over stressed the rack and the leak is a result of that.

Unread post by **KennyW** » 23 Nov 2008, 14:50

Hi Gang,

Does the the power steering ram required to be removed from the rac or can it be removed all together

Also the UJ nut & bolt any suggestions how to remove that, having some issues with it.

AndersDK · Unread post by **AndersDK** » 23 Nov 2008, 19:41

I'd say its easier to remove the rack and ram as an assembly.
The 2 short run pipes between pinion valve and ram are sensitive and not easy to remove.
The 2 main pipes are easier to remove and are a bit more flexible as pr their longer lenght.

Unread post by **citroenxm** » 23 Nov 2008, 19:47

The pinion valve is a pig to remove, the easyest way to remove the UJ off, is to first remove the stering rack in the car, then undo the 6mm allen bolt, and the uj will push away... I had a go at removing a pinion valve when I had an intermittent steering problem, I could NOT remove the ridgid pipes from the valve to the rack, there was NO room to swing the spanner...

I put it all back, and tried hydraflush.... is was ok for a while, then the problem came back... anyway, off topic as ive gone, it was the UJ joint, my point to remove it, IS to remove the steering rack first... the rack UJ will simply push off then!!

Rgds
Paul

Unread post by **KennyW** » 23 Nov 2008, 20:13

Thansk for the replies,

I've successfully removed the 4 pipes on the pinion valve.

But, the allen nut and bolt on the UJ is being a pig. Will try again in the morning.

The info re the ram is what I suspected great.

Will get back to the forum when done

Unread post by **citroenxm** » 23 Nov 2008, 20:31

its a 6mm allen head... I used a H+++++++ ratchet and there adapted allen key...

Good luck

Rgds
Paul

Unread post by **KennyW** » 24 Nov 2008, 18:14

Hi Gang,

Finally removed the PAS rack,but what a carry on

The BOL stated once all the pipes,nuts etc were off just remove through the drivers side

The pinion valve will not go through so I removed the wishbone and she came out very easily.

The rack has the passenger side gaiter split and the pinion valve leaking. I have sourced a second rack for £50 which sounds like the easier option.

Next the pump problem

Thanks to everyone who contributed to this thread.

MikeT · Unread post by **MikeT** » 24 Nov 2008, 18:48

Too late but may be useful if your replacement leaks too, is Plaiedes (sp?) offer an exchange pinion (good as new) for about £60 if I recall correctly. They, or rather Martin, is a forum member and they are very helpful people, highly recommended.