Freelander 1 Steering Rack Removal

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FlatbedPilot

FlatbedPilot

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Trying to get the steering rack out of my 2006 TD4 to replace a burst hydraulic line. The RAVE manual makes it sound so simple.
The problem I'm having is with the lower main bolt holding the rack to the body. I've got the other three bolts out but this one won't come out. Do they go to captive nuts in the body? This one seems to have unwound some but now it's just spinning around and still seems quite tight. I can move the rack away from the body a small amount but then it snags. I've moved the carpet and underlay in the footwell but can't see any sign of a fixing on the inside.

Anyone else had this problem?
 

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The bulkhead is double skinned in some locations for strength. Iirc the rack bolts into a double skinned area.
At least you got it out. But I'm curious as to why you didn't just replace the corroded pipe?
 
The bolt I couldn't get out is being held in the rack with corrosion. I thought it was the captive nut but with more wiggling and cursing it suddenly came free. Must have just been fouling somewhere.

Haven't got the rack out yet. I need a 16mm crows foot socket to undo one of the hydraulic hoses which is still attached. Haven't got one so ordered online. That'll be a few days coming.

The line which has burst is one of the small diameter steel lines that goes from one side of the rack to the other. The connectors at either end are a mass of corrosion and I want to give myself the best chance to get them off by having the rack on the bench instead of working from under the car with limited access. I just know the buggers will round off with the slightest provocation. The climate here isn't car friendly at all.
 
As you appear to have resolved you're problem and are waiting on a tool before the next problem arises! I shall fill in the interlude with a PAS question myself :)

On idle or low revs, sometimes my steering loses assistance briefly. I don't believe it loses all assistance, but the steering definitely becomes heavier than it should - as I say briefly before it rectifies itself.

Anyone got any ideas why it might be? Its a '99 L Series.
 
GrumpyGel said:
As you appear to have resolved you're problem and are waiting on a tool before the next problem arises! I shall fill in the interlude with a PAS question myself :)

On idle or low revs, sometimes my steering loses assistance briefly. I don't believe it loses all assistance, but the steering definitely becomes heavier than it should - as I say briefly before it rectifies itself.

Anyone got any ideas why it might be? Its a '99 L Series.
Click to expand...

You'll get less power assistance for the steering, if the idle speed drops below normal. This can happen briefly, when lifting the clutch without throttle. If you turn the steering at the same time as the engine speed drops, the steering will feel stiff. I have this exact same phenomenon with my TD4.
 
Nodge68 said:
You'll get less power assistance for the steering, if the idle speed drops below normal. This can happen briefly, when lifting the clutch without throttle. If you turn the steering at the same time as the engine speed drops, the steering will feel stiff. I have this exact same phenomenon with my TD4.
Click to expand...
Thanks for the reply Nodge. Yeh, that makes sense, but I've not noticed it before. I first noticed it a few weeks ago when I did a right turn at a T junction about 100 yards from our house. It took me by suprise and had to re-adjust my 'maneuver' so as not to hit the curb on the other side of the road. Since then, I've noticed it a few times.

Maybe I did just get my throttle/clutch/steering wrong that first time and I'm making myself believe there's an issue now! I'll see how it pans out.
 
GrumpyGel said:
Thanks for the reply Nodge. Yeh, that makes sense, but I've not noticed it before. I first noticed it a few weeks ago when I did a right turn at a T junction about 100 yards from our house. It took me by suprise and had to re-adjust my 'maneuver' so as not to hit the curb on the other side of the road. Since then, I've noticed it a few times.

Maybe I did just get my throttle/clutch/steering wrong that first time and I'm making myself believe there's an issue now! I'll see how it pans out.
Click to expand...

It is often caused by low RPM. However the fluid does degrade over time too. This does make the steering stiffer. So if the fluid is over 10 years old, it's definitely worthwhile changing it. New fluid makes a surprising difference to the steering feel.;)
 
My sister had a similar complaint on her Ford Ka(sorry, no Freelander issue). On checking the steering fluid it was noted to bet the correct colour of black...as in black, 12 years after being put in at the factory with no change in that time!! It should be a nice reddish colour!! Anyways, I emptied the reservoir, then flushed the system using a technique gleaned off YouTube, which worked to a point. Having replaced the fluid, it is still a bit dirty but with a reddish tinge so when I'm home again (Working in Spain ATM) I shall do it again.(It was 'pi££ing down and getting dark when I did it) Surprisingly, even that small change had a positive effect and the steering was back to normal. If my sister hasn't thrown out the old oil when I get back I'll try to post a picture of it!
 
Anyway, back on topic.

I've now got the rack out and on the bench. The offending hydraulic line has been successfully removed (part number 10 in the attached picture). As I suspected, the unions just rounded off straight away but having the luxury of space and a vice combined with a hammer I managed to get an undersized socket on them which did the trick. So far so good.

Now I need help to identify it. The RAVE manual doesn't give part numbers but some research seems to suggest that QEP104810 would be the part I need. Can anyone confirm (or otherwise) this and suggest where on line I could order one?
 

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