I just collected my 1994 940GL back from the shop which reconditioned the steering rack (a Cam gears unit) by fitting new seals, pinion bearing etc . The service guy warned me that although they had bled the rack , air was trapped in it, and that would account for the pulsations when using steering at low speed, but that it should go away in a week or two. He also made the worrying comment that sometimes because of the new tight rack seals, the power steering pump may fail after a rack is reconditioned.
I asked him if this air entrapment problem was usual, and he replied that he often had this problem with this type of rack, and also one used on Subarus.
The steering wheel does indeed pulse and there is a funny noise when turns at low speed are made, such as getting into a parking space etc.
Should the rack bleed itself of air over time as the service tech suggests ? Could any possible harm be done to either it or the power steering pump in the meantime ?
Is it possible to 100% bleed the Cam gears rack of air effectively, or is there always some bedding in period where air is released, as the service tech seems to suggest ?
I've read the FAQ about bleeding the rack of air, and am contemplating doing this over the weekend. I assume that the tie rod end removal the procedure recommends is so that the rack can be taken fully to the very limit of its travel to help purge air.
Any help / advice appreciated.
John
1994 945 GL, Cam gears rack
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