Power steering rack help

[Johnzoku]

Im up for a new rack for my mz11 and Ive found two for sale at the local wreckers, what should I look for when buying one.

I haven’t had much experience with them so im not quite sure… obviously if its leaking don’t get it but is there other things that would show signs of ware and abuse?

also i rang around for quotes for a reco'ed rack 400 was the cheepest, would that be a better way to go?

[CrUZida]

How long do you plan to keep the car for?

$400 for a rebuilt rack is pretty cheap, especially if it comes with new rack ends (and even better if it comes with new tierod ends).

If you plan to keep the car for at least 2 years, get a new rack.

If you plan to offload the car within 6 months, just get a 2nd hand one.

Any decent wrecker should give you a guarantee that it will not leak upon installation.

[Johnzoku]

Im going to keep it for a while and it will also be my drift/track car so I guess it might pay to get it done properly, I got quoted 600 flat for drive in drive out, recondition of rack with new rack ends and wheel alignment. But Im also getting a manual and parts very soon as well so 600 bucks is a bit much ATM.

I found a p/s rack for 75 bucks out of a old gz10 Soarer, and im having a look on Friday at it, but im guessing that maybe getting a reco’ed one will be less hassle?

[CrUZida]

$600 drive in/drive out is about the standard price.

I decided to rebuilt my MX73's one myself.
Bought new rack ends (well, only one, other one had to be genuine), new tie rods ends, new boots, and of course the rebuild kit.
Pulled rack out of the car, and went to pull it apart...

Fvck that I said after looking at it for an hour.

Ended up getting it rebuilt professionally.

All up it cost me about $30 less than what it would have for a drive in/drive out jobbie, and my car was off the road for a week, instead of a day.

I'm a big do it yourselfer, but I suggest anyone thinking of rebuilding one themselves not to.

Sorry for the tangent there.

Back on track, get the $75 one (providing it doesn't leak)
Then in a couple of months, get a new one.

New rack ends and new tie rods ends make the car much nicer to drive.

[Johnzoku]

that sounds pretty close to what i would of done, haha

600 bucks is just a bit much comming up to the silly seasion but it a better idea in the end. ill go have a look at this 75 buck rack and most likly get a roco'ed one down the track when i go all out on the suspension.