(I think this is the right sub-forum)

I have an 89' XJ6 - the Jag shop is telling me among the many wheel bearing & output shaft problems the car has that the steering rack is also leaking badly, although its solid and not bent or rusting away. Is there anyone here familiar with rebuilding these? Shop says price for replacement is $750-1100cnd plus some labour.

 

Nonsense!price the rack online,a lot less than that!

cheers,Jim

 

Rock Auto Dot Com

 

I did rebuild mine some months ago, it is to early to tell but i think it was worth it
It still leaks, but not from rack anymore - pump probably
Rebuild rack online is about 300$
Seal kit is an 50$ + full day of job

 

Find one at a junk yard if you can, $100-$150, half day job

 

This is one area where I personally would not recommend using a salvaged part, because the odds are good that you'll have to do the job at least twice, either immediately if the salvaged rack is worn or leaks, or in due time when it fails. That also means you'll have to pay for at least two front end alignments.

Pinion wear is primarily related to mileage, but seal deterioration is a matter of both mileage and age, so there's simply no guarantee that a salvaged rack won't leak, even if it comes off of a low-mileage car.

Given the affordable prices of good rebuilt racks these days, I personally believe it would be a false economy to install a salvaged rack.

My two cents.

Cheers,

Don