| Author | Message | ||
     Edward Mckinley Experienced User Username: ed_mckinley Post Number: 50 Registered: 2-2013 |
So this morning I walked by my 89 corniche in the garage and saw a large puddle of green LHM on the floor. The car hasn't been driven or started since thanksgiving as I am near Chicago. It appears to be leaking from the steering rack at the spool valve. I've read about the problem with leaking racks on this forum but thought I may have better reliability as mine is a 20,000 series, also, I believe most of the leaks reported have shown up as leaks from the bellows. Is this the typical point of failure necessitating a renewed rack?  Thanks for your help | ||
| Paul Yorke Grand Master Username: paul_yorke Post Number: 2017 Registered: 6-2006 |
They don't like being left and the leak may improve with use. It should really be red STD fluid. | ||
| Edward Mckinley Frequent User Username: ed_mckinley Post Number: 51 Registered: 2-2013 |
Thank you Paul, this topic has come up previously, using LHM instead of standard PS fluid. I did so thinking the LHM was a higher quality oil to use. | ||
| Paul Yorke Grand Master Username: paul_yorke Post Number: 2018 Registered: 6-2006 |
LHM does like to leak a little more. It has better lubrication qualities.  | ||
| Edward Mckinley Frequent User Username: ed_mckinley Post Number: 52 Registered: 2-2013 |
since the rack is original I imagine it to be prudent to exchange the rack or have mine rebuilt. I've ready Richard Treacy's paper on racks and wondering if now the rebuilders are incorporating his findings and performing a proper rebuild? Are some vendors preferred over others? | ||
| Jim Walters Prolific User Username: jim_walters Post Number: 150 Registered: 1-2014 |
I rebuild them here in Canada and follow Richard's advice. There are RR specific tools required to do the rebuild properly so I would ask the vendor if they have those tools. You should send yours out for a rebuild rather than buy an exchange rack to ensure you get a Rolls-Royce one and not a Bentley one in return. The pinion torque is stiffer on the Bentley rack. For US owners I would ask Albers, Acme, or Robison if they rebuild racks or if their vendor follows Richard's advice. UK, use Paul Yorke. SRH8505 SRC18015 SRE22493 NAC-05370 www.bristolmotors.com | ||
| Brian Vogel Grand Master Username: guyslp Post Number: 2542 Registered: 6-2009 |
Ed, A couple of other options for rebuilds in the US are listed in the RR & Bentley Parts, Repair, Restoration & Other Resources Compilation. Also, Tom Lempicke has made his own special wrench from when he DIY rebuilt his rack and was willing to loan it upon request. Details in the same location. Search for "steering rack". Brian | ||
| Edward Mckinley Frequent User Username: ed_mckinley Post Number: 53 Registered: 2-2013 |
thanks for the info, I certainly appreciate it |
