Sorry to hear your mam is not well. Hopefully she makes a full recovery. I treated my replacement rack pinion with rust remedy sleeved it, coated it in rubber paint, greased it and put a silicone rack boot on it to prevent it rusting. It can't do any harm to try and protect the replacement rack. I am currently waiting on diff seals after also doing the bearing cap and crank ring seals I was ready to put her back on the road and then she pissed oil all over so hence the seal rebuild. Best of luck whatever you do.
Thanks. I want to sleeve a pinion, and machine the housing to take some fittings so I can make my own pipes, but that'll have to keep for a time when I have some, er, time.. Your method definitely sounds like the best solution!
Good to see you back, Chris. This one co-founded Great Western Saabs for enthusiasts in your area - still going strong after 20 + years. We have many contacts in the real world - Saab indie garages, technicians service and parts suppliers. This one also founded and admins 9⁵ pages on FB (and other Saab pages too) - if all this helps. The Saab drivers' comradeship and helpfulness is legendary, and second to none in the circles this one moves in, of course!
No way! Blimey it's a small world! Didn't realise you were local. There's a couple of really excellent indy specialists here in Bristolshire, I've looked at a few that I thought were lovely, but I really have no need for the HOT engine. I do like the idea though, more interesting than the average car, and seemingly capable of massive mileages. I'll try and find the Facebook page!
Lived in Bristol for 20 years, moved to Minehead 9 years ago, and owned many a Saab in 30 odd years, there was at one time 6 in fleet, when things got silly, including a 9⁵! Still go to meets and events, and look after Saab things and help with some technical stuff in the cyber and the real world, although currently Saabless.
I have a 2011 Citroen C5 X7 with 356,000kms with the original steering rack. I partly replace the steering fluid every year I suck out about 120ml and replace it, it takes just a couple of minutes. I do it as part of the service.
You're very lucky then, pinion shaft failure is very common on the x7. It's not the oil that causes the failure of the seal though, it's corrosion on the shaft caused by it being made of crapite. I changed all the lds in mine when I bought it, again a few months later when I changed the rear struts, again a few months later when I did a pipe, then the rack, then the osf strut. So it's always had very fresh oil in it since I've had the car
I'm aiming to take the 16 valve, but with how things are going currently I might nick dad's bx turbo auto for the day... I'll be hiding in a corner smoking most likely!
Any info on how to spot if the rack is about to shit the bed? Because I think my C5 still has the original rack at 240000km and on some days the steering is rather heavy for a short period. (Especially if it’s hot as hell). Not a real issue though and only sometimes. Has been like that since I owned the car (3-4 years).
Occasional heaviness is more likely the pump or fluid generally. Lds does degrade despite it being 'for life'. Only way to tell really is have a good look at the pinion shaft, ideally through the footwell. If the shaft is very rusty, at some point it'll destroy the seal and leak. Might be tomorrow, might be in 10 years.
Hi. I have C5 X7 2009 with self centering problem. The mechanic changed steering rack (rust/leak as always and I had problem with self centering too). Now with new steering rack (new = my old steering rack after regeneration) I still have problem with self centering and sometimes not always U1205 error ESP/ABS. Steering angle sensor was calibrated of course but a left turn has more degrees than a right turn (checked in Diagbox - difference about 20-30 degrees). Do You know what could be wrong? Perhaps power steering pump or steering rack was wrong regenerated... I read that many specialists have problems with regenerating these steering racks in my country..
Lack of self centering is usually dien to either the tracking being way out of adjustment, or wear on the track control arm bushes affecting the caster angle. It could also be the rack is very tight against the pinion.. Is the steering wheel centred when driving on a straight line abs are there the same number of threads showing on each track rod end?
Thank You for your answer. So wheel alignment is correct (done after new steering rack mounting). The track control arm i have no idea but certainly nothing breaks. The car behave well on the road. Steering wheel is centred when driving (In Diagbox steering angle sensor has 0 degrees when steering wheel is centred) Was also as "calibrated" before I saw ESP/ABS error for the first time. I heard about rack and pinion screw - perhaps i try to loose a little this screw? Track rod ends - I have no idea too. All was done by my mechanic.On french cars forum I read that wrong self centering may be caused by 3 options (1 option with rack - pinion screw as You wrote): Option 2: The steering rack can have 184 or 180 degrees (16 inch or 17 inch wheels) and when steering rack is wrong then steering wheel self centering doesn't work. I have original 17 inch wheels, Option 2: Steering rack pinion is wrong mounted (rotated about 180 degrees?)
@BS-vi7kn OK, that narrows things down. I assume the steering self centred before the rack was replaced? You could try slackening the pinion preload, but make a note of exactly how far you've moved it should you need to turn it back. The preload should be set by whoever rebuilt the rack. You're quite correct, there's a 'short rack' and a long rack. The long rack was used only on cars with small wheels. The only difference however is a plastic shim piece that sits behind the axial joints. It shouldn't have any bearing on the rack centering. It's definitely worth counting the number of threads on each side of the rack to ensure it's centred between the wheels, it could be that the pinion needs to be removed and turned a spline so that the rack is centred when the steering wheel is. The steering column will only fit on the rack in one position so it can't be 180deg out though.
@@adventuresinrust1644 So yes - the suspension condition is OK, I checked it again at the diagnostic station. All angles are correct. However, something is wrong with the centering because, as I wrote, there is a reason for the difference in the turning angle in Diagbox (536.2 deg left to 527.7 deg right). I will know more in two weeks and I will write more if I find a solution, I hope. In the meantime, thank you very much for your tips.
I appreciate the coming video on the rack modification and mounting update...
Likely to be later this year, but it's on the to do list. I've got enough racks to play about with now!
Sorry to hear your mam is not well. Hopefully she makes a full recovery. I treated my replacement rack pinion with rust remedy sleeved it, coated it in rubber paint, greased it and put a silicone rack boot on it to prevent it rusting. It can't do any harm to try and protect the replacement rack. I am currently waiting on diff seals after also doing the bearing cap and crank ring seals I was ready to put her back on the road and then she pissed oil all over so hence the seal rebuild. Best of luck whatever you do.
Thanks.
I want to sleeve a pinion, and machine the housing to take some fittings so I can make my own pipes, but that'll have to keep for a time when I have some, er, time..
Your method definitely sounds like the best solution!
Good to see you back, Chris.
This one co-founded Great Western Saabs for enthusiasts in your area - still going strong after 20 + years.
We have many contacts in the real world - Saab indie garages, technicians service and parts suppliers.
This one also founded and admins 9⁵ pages on FB (and other Saab pages too) - if all this helps.
The Saab drivers' comradeship and helpfulness is legendary, and second to none in the circles this one moves in, of course!
No way! Blimey it's a small world!
Didn't realise you were local.
There's a couple of really excellent indy specialists here in Bristolshire, I've looked at a few that I thought were lovely, but I really have no need for the HOT engine.
I do like the idea though, more interesting than the average car, and seemingly capable of massive mileages.
I'll try and find the Facebook page!
Lived in Bristol for 20 years, moved to Minehead 9 years ago, and owned many a Saab in 30 odd years, there was at one time 6 in fleet, when things got silly, including a 9⁵! Still go to meets and events, and look after Saab things and help with some technical stuff in the cyber and the real world, although currently Saabless.
@@thisiszaphod there's always time for another mate!
I should have less rusty old junk really, it's a disease isn't it!
@@adventuresinrust1644 - it catches up with you - but only when you stop, look and think!
That's OK then, I never think!
I have a 2011 Citroen C5 X7 with 356,000kms with the original steering rack. I partly replace the steering fluid every year I suck out about 120ml and replace it, it takes just a couple of minutes. I do it as part of the service.
You're very lucky then, pinion shaft failure is very common on the x7.
It's not the oil that causes the failure of the seal though, it's corrosion on the shaft caused by it being made of crapite.
I changed all the lds in mine when I bought it, again a few months later when I changed the rear struts, again a few months later when I did a pipe, then the rack, then the osf strut. So it's always had very fresh oil in it since I've had the car
I had a 9-3 Ttid. That was a good car and large ish in estate form. Also hoping to be at Rustival. It will be good to see you if you can make it.
I'm looking at petrol 95s for ulez and that..
I have a ticket for rustival so I'm aiming to be there, I'll probably be hiding in a corner smoking!
Looking nervously at my C6 rack...
C6 doesn't have the same rack does it?
I've not heard of c6's having the same issues the x7 does
@@adventuresinrust1644 I really hope it doesn't 😆
Look like different part numbers..
Not heard of a single c6 pinion failure, which is making me think..
I know it'll fit on the c5 subframe..
Would be great to see you at Rustivall, I'll be there in the GT
I'm aiming to take the 16 valve, but with how things are going currently I might nick dad's bx turbo auto for the day...
I'll be hiding in a corner smoking most likely!
Any info on how to spot if the rack is about to shit the bed? Because I think my C5 still has the original rack at 240000km and on some days the steering is rather heavy for a short period. (Especially if it’s hot as hell). Not a real issue though and only sometimes. Has been like that since I owned the car (3-4 years).
Occasional heaviness is more likely the pump or fluid generally.
Lds does degrade despite it being 'for life'.
Only way to tell really is have a good look at the pinion shaft, ideally through the footwell. If the shaft is very rusty, at some point it'll destroy the seal and leak. Might be tomorrow, might be in 10 years.
You really need a BX estate.....
I've had a few mate, but ya know, rust...
Hi. I have C5 X7 2009 with self centering problem. The mechanic changed steering rack (rust/leak as always and I had problem with self centering too). Now with new steering rack (new = my old steering rack after regeneration) I still have problem with self centering and sometimes not always U1205 error ESP/ABS. Steering angle sensor was calibrated of course but a left turn has more degrees than a right turn (checked in Diagbox - difference about 20-30 degrees). Do You know what could be wrong? Perhaps power steering pump or steering rack was wrong regenerated... I read that many specialists have problems with regenerating these steering racks in my country..
Lack of self centering is usually dien to either the tracking being way out of adjustment, or wear on the track control arm bushes affecting the caster angle.
It could also be the rack is very tight against the pinion..
Is the steering wheel centred when driving on a straight line abs are there the same number of threads showing on each track rod end?
Thank You for your answer. So wheel alignment is correct (done after new steering rack mounting). The track control arm i have no idea but certainly nothing breaks. The car behave well on the road. Steering wheel is centred when driving (In Diagbox steering angle sensor has 0 degrees when steering wheel is centred) Was also as "calibrated" before I saw ESP/ABS error for the first time. I heard about rack and pinion screw - perhaps i try to loose a little this screw? Track rod ends - I have no idea too. All was done by my mechanic.On french cars forum I read that wrong self centering may be caused by 3 options (1 option with rack - pinion screw as You wrote):
Option 2: The steering rack can have 184 or 180 degrees (16 inch or 17 inch wheels) and when steering rack is wrong then steering wheel self centering doesn't work. I have original 17 inch wheels,
Option 2: Steering rack pinion is wrong mounted (rotated about 180 degrees?)
@BS-vi7kn OK, that narrows things down. I assume the steering self centred before the rack was replaced?
You could try slackening the pinion preload, but make a note of exactly how far you've moved it should you need to turn it back. The preload should be set by whoever rebuilt the rack.
You're quite correct, there's a 'short rack' and a long rack. The long rack was used only on cars with small wheels. The only difference however is a plastic shim piece that sits behind the axial joints. It shouldn't have any bearing on the rack centering.
It's definitely worth counting the number of threads on each side of the rack to ensure it's centred between the wheels, it could be that the pinion needs to be removed and turned a spline so that the rack is centred when the steering wheel is.
The steering column will only fit on the rack in one position so it can't be 180deg out though.
@@adventuresinrust1644 So yes - the suspension condition is OK, I checked it again at the diagnostic station. All angles are correct. However, something is wrong with the centering because, as I wrote, there is a reason for the difference in the turning angle in Diagbox (536.2 deg left to 527.7 deg right). I will know more in two weeks and I will write more if I find a solution, I hope. In the meantime, thank you very much for your tips.
The difference in angle isn't that uncommon given the comms error recorded. But I'd be interested to see how you get on. Good luck