Re: 5000s Serious Steering Rack Leak

[ti@amb.org (Ti Kan)]

Alexander van Gerbig writes:
>     Got to the 5000s this morning and low and behold the hydraulic tank was
> about a pinky down from max.  Last night it was at the max mark.
> ...
>     The leak is right below where the tie roads meet the rack.  There are
> rubber boots there which seem fine, no cracking or rotting visible.  The
> leak is underneath where my eyes can go for now though.  What shall I do?

Check the hoses going to from from the pump, reservoir, and rack.
Are there any pentosin stains on them?  If the hoses are dirty, you
should clean then with an engine degreaser adn re-check after driving
a little bit, in order to locate a possible hose leak.  If the hoses
are OK then it's probably steering rack replacement time.  Does this
car have the original rack?  If so it's already past its due :)
Feel the bottom of the rubber boots on the rack and see if there
appears to be any fluid on them and inside.  If there is then there
is a good telltasle sign that the rack is on its way out.

-Ti
96 A4 2.8 quattro
84 5000S 2.1 turbo
80 4000 2.0
-- 
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