[s-cars] Steering Rack mount woes.....

[Jim Fleischer]

Hey guys,

Short story long, my repair/replacement of the driver’s side Steering Rack mount/bracket failed after only one year and I’m forced to rethink the entire mount.  The thin POS steel in the fender well has cracked to the point that there are literally pieces of metal falling out.  So, I am having a custom bracket fabricated that will mount (welded) to the frame rail under the rack and butt up against the fender well, and the rack will attach through the new mount and screw into the existing bracket, sandwiching the cracked fender well and preventing further deterioration.  So, in order to have access to the area, I was forced to partially remove the rack from that area and will need to reinstall after the welding is finished.  Was hoping not to have to do that, but had no choice.

The rack is in fine shape, no leaking, weeping, etc. so I’m just going to reinstall as is unless I am convinced to do something else.  Just want to confirm my parts needed for reassembly:  Do I need new Banjo bolts or just new washers?  Part #’s appreciated.  I know there is a particular fluid required for the PS system, could someone please remind me of that and the amount needed?  Anything else I am forgetting?

The car has been rock solid for the 140K (currently at 195K) miles I’ve put on her, with this really being the only recurring issue that has been a real PITA.  Really looking forward to having safe, precise steering qualities again…..

Thanks!

Jim Fleischer
’95 urS6 avant
195K