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Steering rack

Posted: Thu Mar 07, 2019 10:35 am
by shaunbres
Hi guys I wonder if anyone can help me. I am looking for a steering rack ram for a 96 2.5 XM...any ideas.? Shaun .

Re: Steering rack

Posted: Thu Mar 07, 2019 2:13 pm
by White Exec
Hello, Shaun from Sevenoaks, and welcome to the Forum.
Good to have another 2.5 on board!

I'm sure some help will be available here.
What is the problem with the rack?

How long have you had the car? Do post some details and photos.

Re: Steering rack

Posted: Thu Mar 07, 2019 3:27 pm
by shaunbres
I've had the car since was 2 years old Phil from Medway Citroen looked after it for a long time now his successor Reg just next door Phil has been looking after it since then. The problem with the steering rack ram is it leaks and won't pass the mot. The get some xm stuff from a guy in Billericay but he hasn't got anything..
. Any suggestions.. Thanks Shaun

Re: Steering rack

Posted: Thu Mar 07, 2019 3:32 pm
by shaunbres
Last year you guys helped me out with some parts from Greg Bobby very helpful.. Shaun

Re: Steering rack

Posted: Thu Mar 07, 2019 9:39 pm
by xmexclusive
Where is it leaking from on the ram or the pipes?

John

Re: Steering rack

Posted: Fri Mar 08, 2019 10:43 am
by shaunbres
It is leaking from the ram at the steering. Thanks Shaun

Re: Steering rack

Posted: Fri Mar 08, 2019 10:44 am
by shaunbres
Sorry l meant back.

Re: Steering rack

Posted: Fri Mar 08, 2019 11:43 am
by MTXM
The ram shaft seal might have failed Shaun, but in my experience it be first of all worth checking the associated rubber sleeve and thin plastic return hose that can cause issues and are quite easily fixed. Regards, Matthew T.

Re: Steering rack

Posted: Fri Mar 08, 2019 12:44 pm
by xmexclusive
Each of the leak points tends to be a different source of the LHM.
While it is quite difficult to check the oil back to source it is worth the effort.
Some of the fixes do not require the rack out or replacement.
On 2.5's the two steel pipes between the ram and the pinion valve are another regular leak point.
There are two types of rack ram fitted to the 2.5's.
Early ones used a long ram, later ones a short ram and spacer link.

John

Re: Steering rack

Posted: Fri Mar 08, 2019 12:54 pm
by White Exec
Best tactic is to clean up and dry off the suspected area, and then run the engine and gently turn the steering wheel to get the ram to do some work. Then check for the precise source of the leak.
As said, the low pressure return pipes (and there is a lot of returning fluid from the steering - much less from suspension and brakes) are the most common leaks, particularly the rubber joiners and elbows.
Slow leaks are often from return lines; very rapid leaking from high-pressure connections.