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MPV Section - Forums for Multi Purpose Vehicles: => Ford Galaxy Forum - Mk1 / Mk2 inc. VW Sharan and SEAT Alhambra (1995-2006) => Topic started by: MrBen on May 07, 2022, 06:28:35 PM

Title: New steering rack cost?
Post by: MrBen on May 07, 2022, 06:28:35 PM
Hello. Two different motor factors prices were completely different for a steering rack. Could anyone tell me what roughly one of these should cost? One factor said I get 125 back when I hand in old rack, but also said sometimes they don't except them?? How odd. Makes you feel your being fleeced...Other said they give back 100 pound. Cheers
Title: Re: New steering rack cost?
Post by: SirDavidAlhambra on May 07, 2022, 06:31:49 PM
Yikes, just to check though, is it really the steering rack? Have you checked the inner CV joint?
Title: Re: New steering rack cost?
Post by: brianh on May 08, 2022, 09:43:21 AM
CV joint would be on a driveshaft, not the steering rack. You might mean the track rod/track rod end. But MrBen asked about stop leak products for a leaking rack, I'd guess a seal on it has failed and is leaking though he can obviously see whats going on there to know why the rack needs replacement.

Obviously if they take the rack back, these are rebuilt racks. I would guess that a rack that is worn to the point of needing a rebuild should get a refund back of the surcharge, one that is broken so that it isn't rebuildable (casings broken etc) probabbly won't. But then you don't give them the old rack back as they won't want it. Its probabbly worth asking them about this to define what exactly they mean by don't take them back.

Had the same with driveshafts in the past but never had a problem with getting the surcharge back as long as the driveshaft is one for the car the replacement is to fit, even if it was a pattern driveshaft (J&R one that was no good for example). Also common with alternators and starter motors, again those can get destoryed to a point they can't be rebuilt, though thats usually as a result of them locking up or getting stuck on when they shouldn't. Or catching fire.
Title: Re: New steering rack cost?
Post by: MrBen on May 08, 2022, 11:33:42 AM
Yes its seal on passenger side rack. Squirting out when turning a corner.
Title: Re: New steering rack cost?
Post by: MrBen on May 08, 2022, 11:56:10 AM
I though the racks were the same on galaxy, Alhambra and sheran 2000 to 2009 ish. Just seems odd that red fluid goes in some, and green in others. My previous galaxy was red fluid. The American stop leak I bought was red in colour, and think its reacted with the green fluid, because it looks 'frothy' in there...
Title: Re: New steering rack cost?
Post by: brianh on May 08, 2022, 04:30:31 PM
Ford TIS shows it wants a fluid with spec "NO52146VX00"

That comes up with next to nothing when you look for it

Haynes says WSS-M2C204-A

Euro car parts against my MK2 reg shows
"TRIPLE QX Hydraulic Power steering Fluid (CHF 11S)GREEN - 1 ltr" @ £33.49

Whats in mine certainly isn't green, I'm fairly sure it looks like ATF of some spec (I've never changed it in the time I've had it)

I'd suspect given the info above, that ECP are matching to the wrong product (I've never known a Ford to need the Green CHF fluid not a VW for that matter).

When you lookup on either Castrol or Comma's oil finder tools, both say its a specialist fluid and they don't carry it, which would suggest its not the CHF stuff ECP say should go into it.

I think I'd go back to the supplier of the rack and ask them to confirm the correct fluid and supply it if I were you. I'd imagine the CHF fluid might actually be the cause of your leak if thats whats been put into it.
Title: Re: New steering rack cost?
Post by: MrBen on May 08, 2022, 04:37:00 PM
Ok thanks for the info.
Just broke socket trying to undo wishbone 21mm bolt. Others came undone....typical last bolt
Title: Re: New steering rack cost?
Post by: brianh on May 08, 2022, 07:36:32 PM
£250 seems to be around the best price I could find for the mk2
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/254361171609

Also I'd give this item some thought if the rack is working but leaking. Though if its been filled with wrong fluid, it probabbly needs flushing as well in any case (and the ones I've seen, all say they need system flushing before fitting to keep the warranty).

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/274494371871

Title: Re: New steering rack cost?
Post by: MrBen on May 08, 2022, 11:18:17 PM
Hi Brian. No its definitely not working...pretty dangerous to drive at mo. Both motor factors said the green fluid is what their computers are saying, so I'm assuming that's
what was is there. Its high mileage so its worn out and now spewing out. Put a stop leak in which lasted about 2 hours. I didn't realise you could get a repair kit for rack. I think I would need a proper work bench and special tools to take on that job....
Thanks for info
Title: Re: New steering rack cost?
Post by: brianh on May 08, 2022, 11:40:54 PM
If they are happy they are correct, I'd get them to provide the fluid on the same receipt if I were you with the vehicle details written on it just in case theres an issue later. Far as I can tell its the same rack either way on the mk2, but maybe its the pump or other bits that are different.

You could always give the local Seat dealer a ring and ask them what fluid it should have?
Title: Re: New steering rack cost?
Post by: brianh on May 08, 2022, 11:58:38 PM
Bit further digging, Microcat says the part number 1781003 is for the Galaxy fluid which matches many things, including this
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Genuine-Ford-Green-Steering-1781003/dp/B01M1EL4BW

Made a typo earlier with NO52146VX00 - It should be NO52146 VX00 which comes back with many more options and appears to be the green stuff. So looks like what they have said seems correct as far as I can tell now. Mine its difficult to tell whats in there now it looks more brown than anything, though for all I know it could have been in there for 21 years now if its the original fluid!

The handbook for the Galaxy also mentions the above spec for what its worth.
Title: Re: New steering rack cost?
Post by: MrBen on May 09, 2022, 07:13:10 AM
Excellent thanks for that.
On hunt for another 21mm socket now, as broken 3 cheap ones on last bolt, one being my mates. He is not best pleased:(
Title: Re: New steering rack cost?
Post by: brianh on May 09, 2022, 10:16:50 PM
Halfords do decent sockets, and they do them as singles you can buy if you only want one size.
Title: Re: New steering rack cost?
Post by: SirDavidAlhambra on May 09, 2022, 10:37:49 PM
I love going to 'Frauds and browsing all their interesting products
Title: Re: New steering rack cost?
Post by: johnnyroper on May 09, 2022, 11:55:22 PM
If the boot has broken several sockets already sounds like it might need a bit of heat before next attempt at removing
Title: Re: New steering rack cost?
Post by: SirDavidAlhambra on May 10, 2022, 08:14:10 AM
Yes or maybe soak it in some Plusgas too?
Title: Re: New steering rack cost?
Post by: MrBen on May 10, 2022, 11:22:03 AM
I'm gonna try heat when my friend finds his hot spanner, although it will melt the wishbone rubber, but hey ho.
Title: Re: New steering rack cost?
Post by: SirDavidAlhambra on May 10, 2022, 01:13:42 PM
Please take care using the blowtorch, safety 1st etc he he