Steering Rack Leakage

[azan23uk]

Dear All,Guess its my time to deal with infamous e39 steering rack leakage. It began when i detected a vibrating sound from the steering column when the engine is put on a load and revs below 1000rpm. after 1000 rpm, the sound disappear. didnt bother me at all for 2 mth. but yesterday, eager to know what can be done to 'hilangkan' the vibrating sound. My mechanic suspected the exhaust vibration touched other part to cause the sound. so after putting the car on the jack, that was when he noticed a leak from the one of the steering rack rubber boots..i.e..at the inner end of the tie-rod. Funny thing is, i never saw any leakage in my driveway. he then said .. ' ya lor, now on the jack your wheel pull the rod down..now oil can come out. last time the oil stopped in the rubber boot, but the leaking belum kuat lagi'. OK...makes sense.:stupid:Now, still no oil in the driveway...heh heh. Anyone can share experience in dealing with this? What to do and how much? Browse ebay UK and found a used rack for GBP50!! But i checked around the price of a used one is RM1,500. Btol ka?

 

[ryucky81]

Dear All,

Guess its my time to deal with infamous e39 steering rack leakage. It began when i detected a vibrating sound from the steering column when the engine is put on a load and revs below 1000rpm. after 1000 rpm, the sound disappear. didnt bother me at all for 2 mth. but yesterday, eager to know what can be done to 'hilangkan' the vibrating sound. My mechanic suspected the exhaust vibration touched other part to cause the sound. so after putting the car on the jack, that was when he noticed a leak from the one of the steering rack rubber boots..i.e..at the inner end of the tie-rod.

Funny thing is, i never saw any leakage in my driveway. he then said .. ' ya lor, now on the jack your wheel pull the rod down..now oil can come out. last time the oil stopped in the rubber boot, but the leaking belum kuat lagi'. OK...makes sense.:stupid:

Now, still no oil in the driveway...heh heh. Anyone can share experience in dealing with this? What to do and how much? Browse ebay UK and found a used rack for GBP50!! But i checked around the price of a used one is RM1,500. Btol ka?

asked b4 in JB, recond RM$9++.

 

[azan23uk]

Rack Leaks

Speak of the devil. Last saturday saw the leak on my driveway. Quite a lot. Later sent to the mechanic and greeted with a smile..like knowing that i'd be coming sooner or later.

Taking out the rack is a massive job. Basically, the 'A' subframe gotta be disalodged and lowered a bit to allow the rack to be slid out. He checked the shaft and gave a thumb-up..meaning an overhaul was possible. He bought a repair kit basically consist of a number of seals and fixed them all in.

The damage?? RM800. . Info for all.

 

[IsaacVky]

Speak of the devil. Last saturday saw the leak on my driveway. Quite a lot. Later sent to the mechanic and greeted with a smile..like knowing that i'd be coming sooner or later.

Taking out the rack is a massive job. Basically, the 'A' subframe gotta be disalodged and lowered a bit to allow the rack to be slid out. He checked the shaft and gave a thumb-up..meaning an overhaul was possible. He bought a repair kit basically consist of a number of seals and fixed them all in.

The damage?? RM800. . Info for all.

ah repair kit? If Im not mistaken, Mspeed could do it for about 400~600

 

[azan23uk]

Isaac,

If true, i kena ketuk then. Gonna call MSpeed. Got their contact numbers?TQ

Azan

 

[Kubica]

I've been told that such leaking is common. Mine has been leaking for nearly 2 years and I just keep on topping / adding power steering oil. so far is still runnning excellently & no issue.

E39, 523i

 

[Jerman]

I've been told that such leaking is common. Mine has been leaking for nearly 2 years and I just keep on topping / adding power steering oil. so far is still runnning excellently & no issue.
E39, 523i

Yes, steering rack leakage will occur as the car ages. Mine too. Even the power steering hoses x 3. Just irritating as it stains your car porch!

 

[initialM]

Another problem to check is the hydraulic power stereng hose. My mech changed mine wt custom one done at engineering shop for heavy machinery ie JCB which more durable.

 

[mick123]

mine has started to leak and can see oil stains on the floor already. anyone can share what's the latest price for a recond and also a new unit? thinking of getting it done this weekend as it is getting a bit annoying.

 

[xstatic]

recond will cost you bout rm 2100 inclusive labour and it comes with tie rods...while brand new ones will set u back for bout rm 3600 inclusive labour without tie rods.
If budget permits, never get a recond rack. Trust me, its a world of difference btwn a new and recond.

 

[mick123]

i just check with BA - new one costs 3.2k and a recond is around 1.2k. thinking of may taking a risk with the recond.

anyone with any experience to share on recond set?

 

[Gerald 5]

I can only share my experiences, both my E39 and E30 just got the streeing rack recond not too long ago, my mech usually will send it to a machine shop. According to them, by sending it to the machine shop, it will ensure precise pressure. Don't have experience with the new rack so, unable to compare. So far, I am happy with the recond unit.
Just found out today, my e46 streeing rack is also leaking.....aiyoh!
Cost for recond I paid for
E39 RM1200
E30 RM 950
and was quoted now for E46= E39

 

[xstatic]

http://www.bmwclubmalaysia.com/forums/showthread.php?p=537732#post537732

Personal first hand experience.

 

[Gerald 5]

Sound interesting, since I be changing rack for my E46, wondering if I can just test drive your E39 and you may try drive mine(E39) as I have just recond mine not too long ago. If it is really that different, I sure don mind to pay the extra moolah for a new set. By the way, where & who is your mech? 3 mth warranty, same like mine, wonder are they the same guys?
My number 0162011091

 

[mick123]

this is interesting. i've always thought that recond stuff will not last as long but didn't know the performance is affected so much as well. it will be good to get some hands on comparison anyway, my mech says he gives 6 months warranty on the recond unit.