C5x7 3rd time steering leaking

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aerodynamica
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C5x7 3rd time steering leaking

Unread post by aerodynamica »

It has happened a 3rd time. Lasted 2 years but it's leaking again. Copper grease on the shaft didn't save it.

Don't know what to do now, can steering racks still be got?

MOT in a month 😐
Graeme M
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GiveMeABreak
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Re: C5x7 3rd time steering leaking

Unread post by GiveMeABreak »

Probably was too late if the rust was internal and spread up. My second replacement with CV boot protection and marine grease lasted whilst in my ownership and then I sold mine on.

You have a 180° Angled Steering rack for reference Graeme and these are the current part numbers:

Brand New Rack, part: 9801415480, £2,035.74
Standard Exchange Rack, part: 1663665380, £1201.36
Please Don't PM Me For Technical Help

Marc
aerodynamica
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Re: C5x7 3rd time steering leaking

Unread post by aerodynamica »

Thanks Marc, brilliant help as usual
Graeme M
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Re: C5x7 3rd time steering leaking

Unread post by wheeler »

I had been finding a lot of places that do reconditioned racks stopped touching them as they didn't want the hassle.
aerodynamica
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Re: C5x7 3rd time steering leaking

Unread post by aerodynamica »

wheeler wrote: 02 Mar 2025, 12:34 I had been finding a lot of places that do reconditioned racks stopped touching them as they didn't want the hassle.
To be honest, the first track I got wasn't very well reconditioned, paint flaking off it and visible cutting disk damage where they'd removed the pinion valve housing bolts. It's so much hassle to change the thing or that I just don't trust them.
Graeme M
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Re: C5x7 3rd time steering leaking

Unread post by wheeler »

My first rack lasted about 2 years, when i went back to the same company again for another one they said they dont do them anymore as too much grief.
Tried a few places & got a similar response.
wurlycorner
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Re: C5x7 3rd time steering leaking

Unread post by wurlycorner »

In terms of parts supply, believe it or not... GSFCarParts list reconditioned racks for X7's!
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MattBLancs
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Re: C5x7 3rd time steering leaking

Unread post by MattBLancs »

wurlycorner wrote: 02 Mar 2025, 19:06 In terms of parts supply, believe it or not... GSFCarParts list reconditioned racks for X7's!
Interesting!

https://www.gsfcarparts.com/parts/steer ... ering-rack
Screenshot_20250302-184628.png
£601.99 -current 20% discount code (brings down to £481.59)
And reckons £207 back for the old rack.

Seems cheap!?
wurlycorner
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Re: C5x7 3rd time steering leaking

Unread post by wurlycorner »

Yep! Worth a shot I reckon.
I stuck an Elstock alternator on my other C5 a year ago and it's been absolutely fine - so there's nothing ringing alarm bells about them for me.
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Iain

'85 CX GTi Turbo s1 (met. blue)
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aerodynamica
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Re: C5x7 3rd time steering leaking

Unread post by aerodynamica »

wurlycorner wrote: 02 Mar 2025, 19:06 In terms of parts supply, believe it or not... GSFCarParts list reconditioned racks for X7's!
Good find! That's surprising and not as excessive cost compared to the ones previously mentioned
Graeme M
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Re: C5x7 3rd time steering leaking

Unread post by xantia_v6 »

I am surprised that no-one has yet tried a speedi-sleeve on one of these.
aerodynamica
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Re: C5x7 3rd time steering leaking

Unread post by aerodynamica »

xantia_v6 wrote: 03 Mar 2025, 08:12 I am surprised that no-one has yet tried a speedi-sleeve on one of these.
You know, I was thinking about that yesterday. I'd be keen but it's not something I've done before. Do you have to match it up with a shaft seal with a different (,larger) inner diameter?
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Re: C5x7 3rd time steering leaking

Unread post by xantia_v6 »

No, the sleeve is thin enough that it should be inside the tolerance range of a conventional seal (probably not true for teflon seals).

I used one on a Jaguar steering rack pinion and it worked well.
aerodynamica
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Re: C5x7 3rd time steering leaking

Unread post by aerodynamica »

xantia_v6 wrote: 03 Mar 2025, 09:05 No, the sleeve is thin enough that it should be inside the tolerance range of a conventional seal (probably not true for teflon seals).

I used one on a Jaguar steering rack pinion and it worked well.
I'd like to do this. Might look into it again. It is possibly the only true long term fix for this issue.
Graeme M
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MattBLancs
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Re: C5x7 3rd time steering leaking

Unread post by MattBLancs »

aerodynamica wrote: 03 Mar 2025, 09:34
xantia_v6 wrote: 03 Mar 2025, 09:05 No, the sleeve is thin enough that it should be inside the tolerance range of a conventional seal (probably not true for teflon seals).

I used one on a Jaguar steering rack pinion and it worked well.
I'd like to do this. Might look into it again. It is possibly the only true long term fix for this issue.
I bought a pair of speedy sleeves "just in case" based on info on here (so I'm hoping are correct size!) they are still in the boxes. If you pursue this route get in touch. Also bought a couple of lip seals of the (hopefully!) right dimensions too.