Power Steering Rack - Leak
10-11DATE 8/97
Sedan Range
MODEL
1995-97 MY
Sedan Range
VIN
720001-812255
Steering Rack - Leak at Transfer Pipe
Union Nut - Replace 0-rings
ISSUE:
The steering rack of some 1995-97 Sedan Range vehicles may leak at one of the transfer pipe union nuts. The cause of the leak is damage to the 0-ring seal beneath the union nut caused during installation. Before replacing the entire steering rack, the 0-ring (Illustration 1) should be replaced and the system tested.
ACTION:
When diagnosing a customer complaint of power steering rack leakage on a 1995-97 Sedan Range vehicle, proceed as follows:
REPLACING TRANSFER PIPE 0-RINGS
1. Open the hood and install fender covers.
2. Raise the vehicle on a suitable hoist.
3. Thoroughly clean the rack around the areas of the feed and return unions and the transfer pipes.
4. Place a drain tray under the area of the pinion housing.
5. Remove the bolt from the plate that retains the feed and return unions in the pinion housing and then remove them from the housing.
6. Allow the fluid to drain into the tray.
7. Remove the 0-rings from the threaded ports in the pinion housing where the feed and return pipes were installed.
8. Loosen the transfer pipe union nuts, in both the rack and the pinion housings, and then remove the pipes from the rack.
9. Remove the 0-rings from the threaded ports, in both the rack and the pinion housings, where the transfer pipes were installed.
10. Discard the 0-rings that were removed.
11. Thoroughly clean the areas around the threaded ports, lubricate the replacement 0-rings and then install them to the transfer pipes.
12. Install the transfer pipes to the rack assembly, taking care not to damage the 0-rings against the thread in the port.
13. Thread the union nuts and lightly tighten them while checking that the pipes and the 0-rings are properly seated in the bores.
14. Using a crowfoot wrench on a torque wrench, tighten the union nuts to 7 - 8 Nm (5.2 - 5.9 lb ft or 62 - 70.8 lb in).
15. Thoroughly clean the areas around the threaded bores of the feed and return ports, lubricate the replacement 0-rings and then install them to the feed and return pipes.
16. Install the feed and return pipes into the pinion housing, align the retaining bracket and then install and tighten the retaining bolt.
17. Clean the rack assembly of any spilled fluid.
18. Remove the drain tray and dispose of the fluid.
19. Lower the vehicle and refill the steering reservoir.
20. Start the engine and turn the steering lock to lock to purge any air from the system.
21. Check for fluid leaks at any of the pipe fittings.
22. Remove the fender covers and close the hood
PARTS INFORMATION:
WARRANTY INFORMATION: