Steering rack help..

[jamesycc]

Car failed its mot yesterday. The bg one was it needs a new steering rack. Anyone either have a good used one ie not leaking or recommend a good used supplier. Genuine Renault I haven't checked but assume will be mega bucks. Ecp and gsf do reconditioned ones but with a refundable surcharge for your old one providing they can refurb it, not really keen on taking that sort of a chance.

Any info or advice(sensible that is;-) ) would be good.

Im in Bristol if that helps.

cheers

 

[adamlstr]

Did they mention what was wrong with the rack?

What does the failure sheet say specifically?

 

[jamesycc]

Did they mention what was wrong with the rack?

What does the failure sheet say specifically?

fluid low and leaking. It has been clicking for a few months so knew it wasn't great.

 

[bloke]

Check the pipes, heat shield bracket can rub through one of the metal pipes just by the uj.

 

[jamesycc]

Check the pipes, heat shield bracket can rub through one of the metal pipes just by the uj.

cheers fellas. Love this forum. Get guidance within hours of asking.

taking it to another garage for another quote. They're gonna get it on the ramps so hopefully get a better idea of why its leaking and what it needs to fix it. Will pass on any info I acquire through this thread.

 

[jamesycc]

spoke to mot guy. Its not any of the pipes. Leaking from behind the driver side gaitor. Definitely a new rack it seems now as sounds as if seals have gone.

I'll see what garage no. 2 says now....

 

[Ads29]

Try western power steering down in Weston Super Mare (I think), as the name suggests that's pretty much all they do, they should be able to help

 

[jamesycc]

2nd garage much more reasonable. Under £100 to fit and they're rack specialist has refurbed units off the shelf. Just waiting on availability and price of a newer unit..

 

[MrBlonde]

Same mate,i need another rack to so when you get a price off that place can you let me know to please? @jamesycc

 

[jamesycc]

Same mate,i need another rack to so when you get a price off that place can you let me know to please? @jamesycc

Will do mate. I'll give em a call later and let you know.

 

[jamesycc]

@MrBlonde been quoted £120 for the rack. It's a fully reconditioned one. £200 fitted which I think is a bargain. Not a job I'd attempt on a drive upside down...

Works out about the same as GSF or ECP to be honest but their fitting charge is about half of the mot garage I usually use. My usual garage were quoting over £200 in fitting alone which I thought was a bit steep, probably didn't wanna do it being French :tongueclosed:.

Will let you know how it goes. Gonna book it in for Thursday or Friday.:car::car:

 

[MrBlonde]

Thats a good price mate and to fit it,bargin!.where did you get the price of a rack? i was thinking of just getting a decent 2nd hand one & fitting it myself?

 

[jamesycc]

Thats a good price mate and to fit it,bargin!.where did you get the price of a rack? i was thinking of just getting a decent 2nd hand one & fitting it myself?

local specialist the garage use. If all turns out ok I can his name and number and see if he can ship one out. Was gonna do the same but thought as I'm paying someone to do it may as well get one that'll last a while.

booked in for Wednesday so we'll see how it goes

 

[jamesycc]

@MrBlonde rack fitted. All good. Old was knackered and seeping fluid from drivers side seal/gaitor quite badly. The fitter (who now probably doesn't like me or clio's too much now) said it was and arse of a job to do. He said the feed pipes were the worst as there isnt alot of room under the engine. That was why I didn't want to do it upside down under a car! £80 to fit a rack and new polybushes(supplied by me) was an absolute steal. Just got to get the tracking done as its slightly out. Think you'd have to be pretty brave to attempt it on axle stands, it'd be an all dayer I reckon...

 

[MrBlonde]

Ahh cool mate!.i got a decent 2nd hand one & going to fit it tomorrow!.hopefully will be ok as have a ramp to work on & tools.And being a cup might be a little bit easier!.does it feel any better?.even just a fluid flush makes it better.
@jamesycc

 

[jamesycc]

Ahh cool mate!.i got a decent 2nd hand one & going to fit it tomorrow!.hopefully will be ok as have a ramp to work on & tools.And being a cup might be a little bit easier!.does it feel any better?.even just a fluid flush makes it better.
@jamesycc

yeah feels alot tighter. To be fair the steering went a bit vague, almost like there was a dead spot just off centre both ways a few months back. Once the tracking is c**k on it'll be great. Most places struggle with the tracking as I've got a 300mm OMP wheel so its pretty unforgiving when setting up dead centre! Fair play for having a crack. Like most jobs they're not 'difficult' just getting access is the thing. Good luck!

 

[MrBlonde]

Yeah mine feels bit the same not so sharp.yeah like most things on the clio,easy enough job just having space & access to ramp/tools etc.Just have to take my time.

 

[MrBlonde]

Changed my rack on monday and got to say what a shite job to do!.well would of been ok if one of the brake pipe unions wasnt seized and kinked the pipe,leading to getting another pas hose!.that was the real prob as had to remove old one and fit the new one!.i do recommend tho removing the tie rods and dogbone then it just drops out once all unconnected.Then connecting the rack pin to the column.

 

[jamesycc]

yeah all those unforseen issues are why I paid someone else on this occasion. Had the tracking done by a local Evo specialist and that's made a difference too. Feels so much tighter on the front end now.