Wow, good luck vs bad luck (Rack & Pinion)

shakedown067 · 01-04-2008, 11:13 AM

For starters I had bad luck today when my rack and pinion decided to go out (it's only a 96), the good luck was that it crapped out JUST as I was pulling into work. It came back just in time to miss two good sized bushes, then completely crapped out when I parked the car. So I don't know whether to

or to

.

Guess I'll finally get more exercise next week riding my bike to work while I wait for parts to come in...now if only my truck was working (undergoing a 4-link install).

Another good luck part, I have John over at AutoXTC hunting down a suitable replacement rack & pinion.

gmjunkie · 01-04-2008, 11:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shakedown067

For starters I had bad luck today when my rack and pinion decided to go out (it's only a 96), the good luck was that it crapped out JUST as I was pulling into work. It came back just in time to miss two good sized bushes, then completely crapped out when I parked the car. So I don't know whether to

or to

.

Is it leaking or just tight?? Dump the fluid out of the power steering and Flush!! Refill with 1 bottle of "Lucas"Power Steering Stop Leak and Conditioner and top off with power steering fluid!!

Bet it fixes it almost immediately!!!

shakedown067 · 01-04-2008, 12:12 PM

It's pretty much locked up. She's full of fluid. I went to have it aligned a couple of weeks ago and was told I needed to replace the rack before they'd align it (quality shop), so I know it needs replacing, just didn't think it'd be quite so soon (was planning on ordering the parts mid next week anyway). I was hoping to get my poor truck up and running first.

gmjunkie · 01-05-2008, 12:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shakedown067

It's pretty much locked up. She's full of fluid. I went to have it aligned a couple of weeks ago and was told I needed to replace the rack before they'd align it (quality shop), so I know it needs replacing, just didn't think it'd be quite so soon (was planning on ordering the parts mid next week anyway). I was hoping to get my poor truck up and running first.

Sure they would Like to sell you a rack!!($400-$800 or however far they want to bend you over!!) Are the inner tie rod's worn??(there replaceable) Is the rack just tight??Lucas, Will fix it almost immediately,The valves are sticking and the fluid needs changed!! I do this to every car with over 50,000 miles when I service the car for resale!!(1 hour and less than $20 for Lucas and PS fluid!!) If it don't work Lucas will give your $ back for the Conditioner!! So your only out a little PS fluid and a hour of your time!!!But you will save $400-$800!! I've been doing this for 7-8 years and have NEVER had it not work!!! I use it on Conventional Power Steering,Rack and Pinion and Hydro Boost Brake systems!!

This is only 1 of the hundreds of success stories!!

http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/...ad.php?t=96825

Kap142 · 01-05-2008, 01:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gmjunkie

Sure they would Like to sell you a rack!!($400-$800 or however far they want to bend you over!!) Are the inner tie rod's worn??(there replaceable) Is the rack just tight??Lucas, Will fix it almost immediately,The valves are sticking and the fluid needs changed!! I do this to every car with over 50,000 miles when I service the car for resale!!(1 hour and less than $20 for Lucas and PS fluid!!) If it don't work Lucas will give your $ back for the Conditioner!! So your only out a little PS fluid and a hour of your time!!!But you will save $400-$800!! I've been doing this for 7-8 years and have NEVER had it not work!!! I use it on Conventional Power Steering,Rack and Pinion and Hydro Boost Brake systems!!

This is only 1 of the hundreds of success stories!!

http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/...ad.php?t=96825

I'm glad I read this thread. I recently installed the 1972 P/S package (as was available from the factory in 72) in my 72 BB. The words of admonition were that the original P/S tended to leak. I think I have just learned a way to avoid that. I'll give Goldie (my Vette) another month or two then drain a pint of fluid and replace it with a can of Lucas' conditioner.

I am impressed.

Thanks again.

shakedown067 · 01-05-2008, 03:46 PM

I already got a quick ratio rack to replace my standard rack, other wise I'd try Lucas' conditioner out. Will it unlock a completely locked up rack? If it can I may not have to flat bed the car home from my office (but I might just be working on it at work anyway). What about adding it to my new rack for as you put, preventative maintenance? Thanks.