power steering rack leaking

[diesel17]

I have a 2001 au2, I got it serviced at the local Ford dealer. They told me it needs a new power steering rack and tie rod end boots are split. I check my car every sunday and I have never had to put power steering fluid into it, there are no marks anywhere on my driveway! They then quoted me:

Steering rack $570

tie rod boots $112

Wheel align. $40

Labour $130

TOTAL $852.00

I can get a 2nd hand steering rack from a au2 thats only done 39,000kms for $195.00 and the local mechanic to fit it and wheel alignment $80 for a total of $275.

Or do I get a second opinion on the faults by some one else before I do anything?

I would welcome some opinions on what I should do!


Thanks Diesel

[bprint xr8]

If its not leaking, check the rack boots to see if they have fluid in them. Usually you will be able to feel the fluid just by giving them a squeeze. If there's no fluid there then it would appear to be ok.

[Sourbastard]

Ive got the same thing happening in my 2001 AU2. One day ill fix it.... promise.

[xr8 007]

hey wasnt there a recall for the racks on the auII????????? mine got changed for free.

[xr8ute]

Originally Posted by sourbastard

Ive got the same thing happening in my 2001 AU2. One day ill fix it.... promise.

lol, Pedders told me mine was rooted about 3 years ago....I too will get it fixed one day ;)

[scorpio39]

My Au 1 commenced weeping 18 months ago. I topped up the reservoir with steering & transmission sealer. No problems since.

[Sourbastard]

Originally Posted by xr6007

hey wasnt there a recall for the racks on the auII????????? mine got changed for free.

AUI - AUII between certain periods. Mine is outside of that period.

[Mechan1k]

I think the recall was actually a stud on the rack that needed welding ... not a replacement rack.

The recall was for early AUIIs and previous ... can't remember the month though.

[Stav]

I went into a local ford dealer for the recall and my steering rack leakt all over my stencilling at home.When I took it back they insisted it was not their fault.Got quoted 560 dollars.

If you are in Sydney I highly recommend WESTERN STEERING AT SEVEN HILLS. These guys gave me a great price and service.

[Baboon_AU]

when it leaks it just stays on the rack and not in the ground.. i am gtting mine changed in my auII 2001 ute on tuesday.
Its going to cost 570 all up with labour and wheel alignment.
on the same day i am also getting a cooler for my tranny.. its burning the oil too fast and its too hot. thats another 220 fitted.

[Autocade]

My AU2 went in for the recall work and got rack replaced
I am new here congratulations you have a fantastic forum
I wish I found you sooner
Keep up the great work

we had a lot of dramas with ours leeking ,and turned out it was just the powersteer switch/sensor was stuffed and fluid was leeking out of it.

[Sourbastard]

Originally Posted by Baboon_AU

when it leaks it just stays on the rack and not in the ground.. i am gtting mine changed in my auII 2001 ute on tuesday.
Its going to cost 570 all up with labour and wheel alignment.
on the same day i am also getting a cooler for my tranny.. its burning the oil too fast and its too hot. thats another 220 fitted.

Its a fair amount of cash for what is esentially a broken 45 cent gasket or two.

[Baboon_AU]

just got mine fixed and its f**ken great!!! it actually drives in a straight line now and i dont get clunking noises..
as for the transcooler, you can hear the oil getting pumped to it and because the cooler in my radiator wasn't working at all.. i am noticing a lot more power out of it when taking off and just general gear changes... all up it was 770 with Johnnie's GST and i could not be happier!!

[diesel17]

I have got my power steering rack fixed.
Power steering rack (complete unit) of 2001 au2 that had done 39000 k's $195
Labour to replace steering rack $60
Wheel alignment $35
Transmission fluid $7
GST 10.20
Total $307-20
Compare that to my quote from Ford $852.00 (plus GST) another $85.20
$630.20 I have saved!


I found this site by accident doing a search, this was my first post on here and thank all for their responses. This site is fantastic, I reckon I have just about read every single topic and post on here in the last week!
Thanks Diesel

[Baboon_AU]

just a question, do a lot of you guys with AU falcons suffer from this problem???
is it a common problem with the AU?

[cArSiK]

Originally Posted by Baboon_AU

just a question, do a lot of you guys with AU falcons suffer from this problem???
is it a common problem with the AU?

Its as much a problem with the AU as it is with every other falcon model :togo:

[Baboon_AU]

okay... i was just wondering... i guess it is just a ford thing.

[ClassicAU]

Mine is also leaking, but only onto the rubber boot things. My mechanic told me i can leave it till my next service, but it looks like a few of you guys have gone on a lot longer than that. should i be worried and do something about it before it gets too late? at the moment its only a slow weep i think, no fluid on the ground.