Powersteering Rack is bleedin

[German280zx]

Hello, in my 280zx (From 1980) is an P/S Rack and Pinion From 1983. In the Boots is always steering Oil. Is it possible to repair it at home? I mean Repair the rack and pinion. are spare parts available?

I used the Steering Pump form 1980 280zx, this got an pressure from 6 or 7 Bar like manual said. I have no information at what pressure the later P/S works? are the pumps identical`? or killed i the seals because of wrong pump and to much presure`?

tomorrow ill try the correct pump. but i dont believe this makes anything better.

is the oli bleeding an known problem or not? iam the only one?

Edited August 11, 2011 by German280zx

[ZCurves]

When the O-Rings in the rack fail, then you will have pressure bleed into the bellows. What you need is to find a rebuilt steering rack. You could also rebuild it, but I don't recommend it.

[nightfur]

I just had a mechanic recommend a rack and pinion rebuild. My quote was $900. Power steering fluid is leaking, but I don't know to what extend. My steering feels fine while driving, except for occasional friction at the far extremities of wheel turning.

I wonder how to tell that its time to have the rack replaced?

[81 ZXT]

I bought a re-built rack and pinion for my 81 turbo for about $290. or $300. The way you can tell that it needs to be replaced is that it leaks into the boot. If you let it go longer the steering will get rather "wiggly". There is step by step instructions on replacing on the website Xenons130.com. It's not too bad of a job but you do have to undo the motor mounts and lift the engine a bit.

[260DET]

That old it deserves a pro rebuild doesn't it? Tricky DIY job I believe.

[iamericgee]

I need this done also but all I have been doing is just refilling my fluid