SoCalLs

Hello everyone, I am new to this forum. I just got a 1992 LS400 and it needs a few things- one of them being the rack and pinion. I found one on Ebay that seems like it is of decent quality, but I wanted to get some of your opinions first. Another reason I am interested in the one on Ebay is that they have a smaller core charge then the other sellers. Below is the link. Thanks in advance for your help!

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1990-1992-Le...-/160990189488

YoshiMan

You sure you need a new one? Chances are good if its leaking, that it is actually from the P/S pump above and not the rack itself.

PureDrifter

iTrader: (10)

better off having your stock one rebuilt locally

SoCalLs

Thanks for your replies guys. I took it to a reputable shop to get an overall inspection, so it was a mechanic who told me the rack and pinion was leaking. I did crawl under the car to take a look and it did look like it, but I'll get it double checked again.

Do you guys have any thoughts on the part that is being sold on ebay though? Just in case I do need to get a rack and pinion!

Thank you!

python

iTrader: (4)

I would pressure wash the UNDERSIDE of the car really well..put this is ur power steering system reservoir
http://www.jbtoolsales.com/interdyna...FVJffgodj3wA_A
fluid travels all over when ur driving and may have blown back onto the rack to make it seem as if that's ur problem

LScowboyLS

yes, far more likely to be leaking at the o-ring connecting the pump and reservoir, or an internal pump o-ring or one of the hoses and that fluid has wetted your rack and some greedy tech has seen dollar signs and wants to replace a rack that is likely just fine!

SoCalLs

Thanks guys, I'll check it out! Would definitely be nice if I didn't have to replace the whole rack and pinion

LScowboyLS

even in the rare case that the rack itself is leaking, it is not such a difficult DIY job to replace the inexpensive o-rings in the rack

Shmee

iTrader: (3)

If the rack is leaking, it's a quick check by pulling the boots back from the rack. If the inside of the boot is soaked with ps fluid or the boot feels like a water ballon, you probably need to replace the rack seals.
If not then it is leaking down from some thing else.

peterls

Quick question for those who've done it before: how do you pressure wash the underside? Can I just bring my ramps to a coin operated car wash, drive up the car, and go crazy with those degreasers, soaps and finally pressure rinse? Or is that a bad idea?
Any other ways to do it with minimal equipment?

Shmee

iTrader: (3)

That's one way but you might get in trouble. You can do it at home if you have a LOW-pressure power washer. You don't need or want one that is designed to strip paint, just the cheapo ones designed to wash cars are fine... Less chance of damage with the low pressure ones and clean just the same.

peterls

I am going to see if the coin operated car wash is open late at night, and might just sneak in there when no one is watching.
Wish me luck!