Leaky P/S rack question

[Pete_89T2]

Just my luck - recently replaced a failing & leaky P/S pump with a rebuilt unit, and now it seems that my P/S rack itself is leaking. Unfortunately, after cleaning the heck out of the entire rack it and observing for the source, it seems it's coming from a place that the FSM doesn't reference any fixes for. Attached picture is the best I can get for now shows the source - where the arrow is pointing. Looks like there is probably a seal under that bolt/cap on the top of the rack, and P/S fluid is intermittently getting thru.

Is this fixable, or is it time for a new/rebuilt rack?

[NoDOHC]

Have you tried running the car without power steering? Mine is fine without it. This will save you the expense of having to fix the power steering rack and you can save gas too (no PS will help your mileage).

If you don't want to get rid of the power steering, I have several good racks laying around (although I am traveling now and cant send them for a couple weeks). If you are willing to wait, I can send you a a rack that was good when removed, for the price of shipping (I am trying to clean out the garage).

[TitaniumTT]

;)

http://rotarycarclub.com/rotary_forum/showthread.php?t=7900

[Pete_89T2]

Have you tried running the car without power steering? Mine is fine without it. This will save you the expense of having to fix the power steering rack and you can save gas too (no PS will help your mileage).

If you don't want to get rid of the power steering, I have several good racks laying around (although I am traveling now and cant send them for a couple weeks). If you are willing to wait, I can send you a a rack that was good when removed, for the price of shipping (I am trying to clean out the garage).


Yup, drove it without the P/S belt for a little when the PS pump crapped out. Not all too hard to steer, just a bit of a workout cutting the wheel all the way from a dead stop. Since my pump is new, I'd prefer to stick with PS. Also, as far as I know, Mazda didn't make a manual rack for the S5's - not sure if the manual S4 racks are interchangeable. Anyway, if it turns out I can't fix this in place, I'll be looking for a good PS rack - appreciate the offer, will PM & let you know.

[Pete_89T2]

;)

http://rotarycarclub.com/rotary_forum/showthread.php?t=7900

Great write up Brian. Was there an O-ring or some kind of seal under that yoke plug shown in your pictures? That's where my leak is coming from. If that's the case, I might be able to fix this in place being the plug is accessable w/o removing the rack - remove yoke plug, slap in a new seal & reinstall.

[TitaniumTT]

Thanks Pete. I love the rack and rec the mod to everyone unless there is a severe amount of tight parking constantly.

As for the seals, I honestly don't recall. Its an S4 rack and as far as I can remember they are the flare type fitting as the pressure is pretty high.

[TitaniumTT]

Thanks Pete. I love the rack and rec the mod to everyone unless there is a severe amount of tight parking constantly.

As for the seals, I honestly don't recall. Its an S4 rack and as far as I can remember they are the flare type fitting as the pressure is pretty high.

[josh18_2k]

i bought my PS rack for $25... dont really see a point in buying a reman or whatever if you're keeping PS. just find another rack (not covered in fluid) from a parts car and lowball em lol.

or depower it

[LunchboxCritter]

A remanufactured one is $87.00 shipped on ebay.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=250665730541&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT