mx5cartalk.com

ok, I just went to service the MX.

while up on stands I found a nasty surprise.

I bought the car in March 09, running well etc, full service etc.

about June/July I noticed that on tight right hand turns the power steering would groan extremely loudly, it turned out that the Power steering resivour was low, so it was filled up again to the fill line.

now, about 10 months later, the resivour is at the low mark.


and while it was on the stands I noticed that the rubber boots on the steering rack (the inner ones, where the tie rods join onto the rack, the ones closest to the engine) they are covered in fresh light oily substance, whch looks like it may well be power steering fluid.

it has this on both boots, both sides.

the Power steering pump looked dry, so I think it's ok, and the pipes to/from the rack looked dry (but it's difficult to see)

so yeah, if a steering rack is about to die, will it start to weep fluid?

I doubt it's a split boot since it's both sides.


I can really do without this issue right now

Sounds like what you think it is.

Jules

sh*t.

replacing a steering rack is a subframe/engine out job isnt it?

Looking at my NB8B manual
Looks fairly easy
Disconnect:
2 tie rods
P/s pipes
Steering shaft
Couple of mounting bolts

thanks De Bounce.

the NB8B Manual you have, is it a paper one or electronic?

if it's electronic would it be possible to email me a copy?
I've only got a parts catalogue for the NB8A, but can't seem to find a proper manual (on the web for download)

As da Bounce suggests, it is not huge job to undertake. Obviously you will be needing an alignment afterwards.

Jules

Might be able to get the NB8A manual HERE

It really wasn't very hard...I winged it to de-power the rack last time. There's four 17mm bolts on the rack, 1 bolt on the uni-joint (which is the only really annoying bit to get back on) and the arm unscrews from the adjusters if memory serves. I didn't even need to undo the tie rod ends which would've required a special tool and a hammer.

Took about half a day to depower the rack, replacing one would be a few hours. The steering rack isn't interfered with by the engine.