Power steering rack parts

[Malc Holmes]

Anybody had a steering rack for an S4 re-built or has re-built one themselves? A friend in Japan is trying to get the bushes/seals to allow his S4s rack to be fixed (well I am trying to find the parts for him). I have spoken to the technical service guys at Hethel and they don't do any re-build parts for the rack (despite what the parts list would seem to indicate) other than the rack gaitors. Anyobe know a Saginaw specialist who would be able to supply the parts? Obviously sending the rack from Japan to the UK to get it re-conned and then send it back is not ideal, so I realy need suggested parts suppliers.

Thanks

[tinywillyuk]

Marc,

Give Miles at Fibreglass Services a ring (01243 554422 - you may need to let it ring a lot). He has a contact he's used to refurb several members racks. He gave me the name and number but I've misplaced them.

On my last visit we discussed racks - mine is leaking heavily from the top seal - his contact refurbs them but also do repair kits and the turnaround was quick.

Apparantly the Saginaw rack used in the S4 was used on a late 90's Saab - and thats the key to a decent price - tell 'em its a Saab rack (Miles may even recall which one) and the price is a lot less than telling them its from an Esprit.

Good luck!

[x6gas]

...and when you have identified the part number and if/when you can confirm that the Saab part is a direct replacement then please, please let me know so that I can add it to the parts x-reference file.

This one will be dead useful since the racks are so prone to wear cos of those fat wheels!

Cheers, Ian

[Malc Holmes]

Thanks for the help so far. The Saab link seems a strong possibility. I contacted Western Power Steering today and they drew a blank until I sent them the parts manula picture, more or less instantly they said Saab 9000. If this is indeed true the full seal and o-ring kit is

[Malc Holmes]

OK, got the answere now. Eventually managed to get through to Brian Angus at Lotus (an ex Lotus colegue of mine found his number for me). Brian confirmed the main rack body was from the Saab 900, the pinion and valve assy is from some other GM/Opel car and the track rod ends from Pontiac.

The upshot is you can get a seal kit from Western Power Steering for a Saab 900 for

[x6gas]

Cool thanks.

Have updated the cross refence file.

Cheers, Ian

[CarlC]

Malc,

Please can you update me on how you got on sorting out your leaking steering rack. Did you opt to get the seals and do it your self or send it away? Did you remove the rack and have you any tips for this process. I have my car jacked up at the moment and I am about to have a go at replacing the power steering pipes and refurbing the Rack ?

Ill probably do a guide at the same time for LEW. Any info greatly appreciated.

Or anyone else for that matter ?

Edited August 2, 2006 by CarlC

[Malc Holmes]

Malc,

Please can you update me on how you got on sorting out your leaking steering rack. Did you opt to get the seals and do it your self or send it away? Did you remove the rack and have you any tips for this process. I have my car jacked up at the moment and I am about to have a go at replacing the power steering pipes and refurbing the Rack ?

Ill probably do a guide at the same time for LEW. Any info greatly appreciated.

Or anyone else for that matter ?

Carl,

As per my mail to you. The 900 kit seemed to have done the job. The actual re-build was done in Japan so I don't know if they came accross any issues or difficulties. If you don't want to risk anything I would suggest trying Western Power steering since they where very helpful and seem to have plenty of experience with expensive/ exotic parts.

Good Luck

Malc Holmes

[CarlC]

Thanks for that Malc, I've put them on my list to call.