[Jeroen]

Originally Posted by mkpiyengar

Hi All,
This weekend I discovered that the Power steering was hard, similar to manual steering.
On checking found that the power steering reservoir was empty.

Got fluid from nearby HP pump and filled it, steering was smooth again. Now, why did it drain out ?

When I moved the car next day, there was a pool of oil below and the power steering level had gone down.

Told a nearby mechanic to check if some rubber tube or pipe is leaking because I had moved the car to new place and RATS Had a field day in the car, biting everything. Even engine light was on continuously.

So the mechanic checked below and told that the leakage is from the steering box and the steering column seal was gone.

Now, Is the diagnostics correct ? Is there a seal which is separately available ? Or the whole steering box needs to be replaced.

Car: Fiat Siena 1.6 100v

Kava Automobiles is quoting 21K for new replacement and suggested repair is possible at around 6K.

Is the repair a reliable solution ? Am in a fix now !!

Rgds
MKP

Although I'm not familiar with your car, I can say that yes every steering box has a number of seals. As you pointed out, there will be some sort of seal on the side where the steering column enters the steering box. Similar on the pitman shaft there will be a seal too.

It is actually very rare for these seal to fail so dramatically as you describe. ie a large puddle of oil under the car after one night. Usually what happens is that over time these seals do where out a bit and you get some oil seepage.

All steering box wear out over time and when they get overhauled all seals would get replaced. Again, not sure on yours, but on a lot of steering boxes the seals can be replaced without having to take the steering box out.

What could cause the seal to start leaking is a big knock on the respective shaft.

With a lot of oil in a short period in would first suspect the hoses, maybe filters, connectors etc. So clean the whole steering box meticulously, refill, leave overnight and see if it's obvious where the oil comes from. By the way, it's really not oil, it's hydraulic fluid.

Jeroen

[cyberwhizs]

Originally Posted by mkpiyengar

Kava Automobiles is quoting 21K for new replacement and suggested repair is possible at around 6K.

Is the repair a reliable solution ? Am in a fix now !!

Rgds
MKP

Not specific to siena but in general PS rack overhauling which involves replacing the seals is reliable. Check the make of the PS rack, if it is Rane-TRW then it may be possible to repair/refurbish with 6 month warranty from them. typically Rane-TRW will charge around 4K for repair, the remain 2K will go for removal/refitting, consumables, wheel alignment etc. This is what TASC does, had mine repaired couple of years ago.

In the interim you can drive around by periodically topping up the PS fluid - every couple of days. Absence of PS fluid can result in the failure of PS pump so do get it fixed as soon as feasible.

[mkpiyengar]

Originally Posted by cyberwhizs

Not specific to siena but in general PS rack overhauling which involves replacing the seals is reliable. Check the make of the PS rack, if it is Rane-TRW then it may be possible to repair/refurbish with 6 month warranty from them. typically Rane-TRW will charge around 4K for repair, the remain 2K will go for removal/refitting, consumables, wheel alignment etc. This is what TASC does, had mine repaired couple of years ago.

In the interim you can drive around by periodically topping up the PS fluid - every couple of days. Absence of PS fluid can result in the failure of PS pump so do get it fixed as soon as feasible.

So do you think Wasan Motors (Chembur) will be able to fix it. Listening to horror stories I'm afraid to go to them or should I try Fortune Motors at Kalina.

Right Now i'm just topping up the fluid, but it is a expensive solution. I got HP transmission fluid for Rs 230 per liter and 3/4 down in 4 days.

My mechanic told that it can be done for Tata vehicles but was not sure for Fiat's.

Originally Posted by Jeroen

Although I'm not familiar with your car, I can say that yes every steering box has a number of seals. As you pointed out, there will be some sort of seal on the side where the steering column enters the steering box. Similar on the pitman shaft there will be a seal too.

It is actually very rare for these seal to fail so dramatically as you describe. ie a large puddle of oil under the car after one night. Usually what happens is that over time these seals do where out a bit and you get some oil seepage.

All steering box wear out over time and when they get overhauled all seals would get replaced. Again, not sure on yours, but on a lot of steering boxes the seals can be replaced without having to take the steering box out.

What could cause the seal to start leaking is a big knock on the respective shaft.

With a lot of oil in a short period in would first suspect the hoses, maybe filters, connectors etc. So clean the whole steering box meticulously, refill, leave overnight and see if it's obvious where the oil comes from. By the way, it's really not oil, it's hydraulic fluid.

Jeroen

Yeah, he basically checked under the car first to see if the hoses are leaking. Then he opened the dead pedal, where the steering column was visible. Filled the fluid, did multiple turns and checking from where the fluid is oozing out.

Finally mentioned that there is leakage from steering box.

Is there any place in Bombay where we can get second-hand steering box or repair done ?

Cheers,
MKP

[cyberwhizs]

Originally Posted by mkpiyengar

So do you think Wasan Motors (Chembur) will be able to fix it. Listening to horror stories I'm afraid to go to them or should I try Fortune Motors at Kalina.

Right Now i'm just topping up the fluid, but it is a expensive solution. I got HP transmission fluid for Rs 230 per liter and 3/4 down in 4 days.

My mechanic told that it can be done for Tata vehicles but was not sure for Fiat's.

What are your realistic options? - you will have to go to one ASC or the other if not a FNG to get it fixed. Typically the ASC/FNG will in turn dismantle your PS rack and send it off to RaneTRW/OEM to fix it. As long as the ASC/FNG provides some form of warranty it should be fine. Every ASC has its fair share of horror stories, so it is best to go deal with the known devil who is readily accessible (near home/office)

Specific to Siena i wouldn't authoritatively know if a ps rack is indeed repairable or not, all i can say is that, in general, replacement of oil seals in a PS rack and overhauling is a regular procedure and, in general, would cost around 5-6K for small/midsizers. Alternatively you can look at reconditioned aggregates - i know that tata officially does provide the same but not sure if fiat too does the same. Else the only option for you would be to buy a new spare at 21K - as mentioned in the earlier post by you.

[ramzsys]

Got the seal replaced for my Uno D(in 2007). It did cost about 4k then, and car did 10k Km in a period of one year after that, no further leaks/issues.

[anupamtiwari]

My Innova 4 year old with odo of 60,000km went for service yesterday (wasan Toyota chembur) and today my advisor tells me that due to breaking of seals in rack(it's something at the bottom of steering), there is leakage in steering oil. It's minor but they are saying it will grow. They do not repair the stuff but there is a third party who does it and gives 6 months warranty. Toyota says replace the whole assembly and charges twice the amount of repair (40k). I have personally driven my car always and really amused at such a short life of such a critical component from Toyota. I am a decent driver and don't engege in fast or reckless driving. Can any member give some advice on it. First should I talk to Toyota (warranty expired last year) and second should I repair or replace. I have not seen any oil in parking. Thanks in advance.

[dean5545]

Originally Posted by anupamtiwari

My Innova 4 year old with odo of 60,000km went for service yesterday (wasan Toyota chembur) and today my advisor tells me that due to breaking of seals in rack(it's something at the bottom of steering), there is leakage in steering oil. It's minor but they are saying it will grow. They do not repair the stuff but there is a third party who does it and gives 6 months warranty. Toyota says replace the whole assembly and charges twice the amount of repair (40k). I have personally driven my car always and really amused at such a short life of such a critical component from Toyota. I am a decent driver and don't engege in fast or reckless driving. Can any member give some advice on it. First should I talk to Toyota (warranty expired last year) and second should I repair or replace. I have not seen any oil in parking. Thanks in advance.

I would advise you to take a second opinion regarding the leak. If the second dealership too suggest the same then I guess you might want to replace it. Since it's a small leak no need to replace it immediately, You can do it in six months time. Of course keep checking the situation. Also would recommend you to replace the system than repair. It is a costly affair but will give you complete peace of mind.

[greenhorn]

Someone should be able to point out the OEM for the steering rack - they should be overhaulable - the overhaul cost will be somewhere between 30-50% price of a new rack, and may last 1-2 years or so. if it lasts less, then a replacement might be advisable

[dhanushs]

If you dont have any rattling or thud sounds from the steering, its just the oil seal. You should get it done at less than one fifth the cost of new one.

Upon removal, if the FNG says the problem is severe, then you can search for the steering rack of the OE company in aftermarket shops. Should cost you half of what Toyota will charge you.

[honeybee]

Steering oil leak would only be noticed over a period of time as the oil level drops. First and foremost, do check the level and top up the oil as and when required while you take time to decide.

I have a similar issue in the Accord but as the running is much lesser now, I am happy to top up the oil. Cheapest solution.

No idea if only the rubber seals can be replaced, but in general a rack is better replaced than repaired from what I have heard.