Replaced the steering rack on my 04 XJ today. Used a Cardone reman unit and all seems well (holds breath. I am an eternal pessimist) Used a local shop to do so and the mechanic was quite knowledgable.

I have put about 50 miles on the car since replacement and I'm wondering if my mind is playing tricks on me or if the car handles much tighter than before? I've not driven the car since November (I parked it this winter, knowing the rack was in need of replacement and using my low mile 99 Town Car as a daily driver so I admit I was in "driving shock" after stepping out of the Lincoln at the conclusion of a 200 mile round trip and into the cockpit of the XJ.

I fully admit my mechanical ignorance in matters such as this so I am throwing myself at the mercy of the expert techs here. I remember the XJ8 being much less tight in steering since I've owned it than it is after the new rack but again, it could be my imagination. I do need an alignment so that is on the agenda in the next few days.

Lastly and then I will be quiet: I am also still seeing some "burnoff" from the lower left side of the engine after I garage and park it. It seems to eminate from somewhere below the power steering reservoir. Is it possible that there is something that was overlooked? Simply fluid burning off from the prior leaky rack? Anything else come to mind from that area?

Thanks in advance for easing my mind. Lord knows I need it. Ha.

 

This is the first post I've read on fitting a replacement rack ! How many miles on the car, as I am sure rack seal failure is a rare event. Leaky seals will have deposited fluid around so you could be getting it burnt off for some time.

Might be best to check connections are tight now rather than later.

 

Hi Fraser!

Thanks for the reply.

Miles were 112k on the car at time of replacement. Appreciate the reassurance on the burn off. Wasn't sure if it would be normal for a bit or not.

Picked up the Cardone unit at a great price. Let's hope this fixes all ills!