My Zafira is losing power steering oil through the steering rack - is the steering rack fixable or is a new unit required? Has anyone ever had this done?

Chris, May 2008

Hi , this has just happened to me also. 03 Zafira Club 1.6, 53K miles. 3 weeks after getting the car back from our local Vauxhall garage after a frontal accident the power steering fails. No fluid at all in the resevoir. Fluid under the car and in the drivers footwell. Garage are saying that it is unrelated to the accident because there was no visible damage to the power steering system, even though the PS fuse blew at some point!!!, they are saying it is just wear and tear?...quoting me £379+vat for steering rack and £179+vat for steering gear plus labour on top so probably close to £1000....OUCH!!!!!
I am convinced this is related to the accident where there was £2500 worth of damage done to the front and am having a big battle with garage and insurance company just now.

If anyone knows anything about the lifespan of power steering racks please let me know.

Paul H, May 2009

It depends where the leak is from - if its just the rack gaiters at the ends then they are readily replaced, but if the leak is elsewhere then often a reconditioned replacement is the best answer.

John, May 2008