hard start issue+ need steering rack

[Bernie Benz]

I’m intrigued that you say that your rack is leaking “at the steering  
column“ input shaft seal! Never seen nor heard of that!
Neither the input nor output shaft seals of the valve body are under  
pressure, just reservoir return head pressure.
If you are absolutely certain that your leak is one of these seals  
and not the high pressure rod seal, the latter would show fluid at  
the center bellows not the valve body, I’d add a bit of engine or  
auto tranny snake oil to the PS reservoir and drive the SOB for 1K  
miles.
Try this first, because the PITA is the R&R, not the rack overhaul.

I’ve overhauled 3 of these ZF racks and believe that they are  
absolutely bullet proof excepting for the hard plastic (read cheap)  
high pressure rod seal. The last time, redesigning and replacing this  
seal with an elastomeric quad ring with nylon back up ring.  Going  
strong after >100K.

Bernie


On Jan 22, 2011, at 6:16 AM, PeterBergin at aol.com wrote:
>
> PS, any one know where I can get a good deal on a rebuilt steering  
> rack,
> mine is leaking at the steering column.
>
> Pete
>
>