Replacing the piston seals is no easy matter.

The seals will be inaccessible without disassembly of the entire rack. Special tools are needed. Reassembly requires knowledge and experience most of us have not acquired. Any local shop would probably just want to replace the old rack with a rebuilt unit.

But removal and replacement of the entire rack is definitely doable for the DIY mechanic. And despite what may have been suggested to the contrary the quality of rebuilt racks is high.

Take a look at

https://www.brickboard.com/FAQ/700-900/FAQPDFVersions/Steering.pdf

I would direct your attention to the section entitled "Should I Rebuild My Own Rack?"

Since the Brickboard is so wacky of late I will paste the info here. But you should try to access that page for the full story.

The cost of the parts kit and special tooling required to reface bores, extract bushings and other parts, makes it prohibitive for you to consider rebuilding. Buy a rebuilt unit for $300-350 with a guarantee. A good source is Jorgen in Detroit from whom you can buy a rack directly.

Okay. This is years old and prices are higher but FCP Euro offers three different racks. There are other sources and you would be advised to call and discuss the matter with whomever you might choose to buy from. FCP offers a lifetime warranty which, I'll admit, sounds a little bit unbelievable but that has been their policy for awhile now so it is something to consider. You would have to ask them about the particulars.


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'79 242, '84 DL 2 door, '80 DL 2 door, '89 DL Wagon, '15 XC70 T6 AWD