Power steering rack is leaking

Driv3r · Postby **Driv3r** » Sat Apr 18, 2015 10:11 pm

Hi guys,

just changed the shocks on a 93 NA8 and after removing the plastic cover under the sump, noticed left rack end (power steering) leaking from boot.

Any one know if there is a repair built thread on this using any seal kit? I know you can repair a power steering pump but I haven't come across PS rack repair process.

Any help would be much appreciated.

Cheers

Driv3r · Postby **Driv3r** » Sat Apr 18, 2015 10:25 pm

I found this but need any written guide.

http://www.bestpartsonline.com/automoti ... all-282810

M1474 · Postby **M1474** » Tue Apr 21, 2015 3:27 am

Consider de powering rack?

hks_kansei · Postby **hks_kansei** » Tue Apr 21, 2015 10:34 am

It's certainly possible to rebuild a rack, but I havent done it so can't explain the process.

AS far as the leak goes, i'd just buy a bottle of power steering fluid with the stop-leak additive. It basically works by helping the rubbers seals swell up again and seal better.

The rack on mine has been weeping for something like 7 years now.

I would de-power the rack, it feels like sh*t.

Driv3r · Postby **Driv3r** » Tue Apr 21, 2015 10:48 am

Thanks M1474 & hks,

Boss is driving the NA8 with auto transmission. Would love to de-power it but she would rather the ps. I heard the stop leak fluid is not a good long run solution as it would eventually damage the seal and get worse. It's only used by second hand car dealerships to hide the leak.

I'm not sure if NB PS rack is compatible with NA8C (JDM import). But I think it's best to just replace it with a compatible second hand. I will post a WTB and wait.

Thanks again for the help, much appreciated.

Cheers

93_Clubman · Postby **93_Clubman** » Tue Apr 21, 2015 11:46 am

Driv3r wrote:I'm not sure if NB PS rack is compatible with NA8C (JDM import).

Apparently not: http://www.miata.net/garage/compatibility.html

hks_kansei · Postby **hks_kansei** » Tue Apr 21, 2015 12:19 pm

Driv3r wrote: ps. I heard the stop leak fluid is not a good long run solution as it would eventually damage the seal and get worse. It's only used by second hand car dealerships to hide the leak.

I'd never use a stop leak engine oil additive, but so far have had no issues with the power steering stuff after 7 odd years.

Granted, the leak on mine isn't that bad, it took about 12 months for the reservour to get to the low mark.

Driv3r · Postby **Driv3r** » Tue Apr 21, 2015 12:41 pm

hks_kansei wrote:
Driv3r wrote: ps. I heard the stop leak fluid is not a good long run solution as it would eventually damage the seal and get worse. It's only used by second hand car dealerships to hide the leak.

I'd never use a stop leak engine oil additive, but so far have had no issues with the power steering stuff after 7 odd years.

Granted, the leak on mine isn't that bad, it took about 12 months for the reservour to get to the low mark.

Yes same here I check the fluid but it hardly goes down, even though you can notice a leak from ps rack and oily pump. Strange ay.