[paulmacs]

My Brera failed it's first MOT today.

Failure: Leaking from steering rack. Had no idea, no visable leaks or moans or groans from my steering. It has been perfect.

And so my search begins to get the problem sorted

Hope I can get it fixed without paying a fortune

 

[cj romeo]

If its leaking out the ends, the rack ends are all thats required - from shop4parts - Alfa will only sell you a complete rack.


Is your fluid red (G1/E) or green (G1/R) ?

http://www.shop4parts.co.uk/?name=store&op=Details&ProdID=5424&sku=13103

 

[paulmacs]

Red! Back during the huge forum 'should it be red or green' debate, I was told my red fluid was fine so long as the steering was quiet. Which it has been, this MOT failure is the first bother I have had with the car.

 

[cj romeo]

My 159 has red in it too, though I changed the mates Brera to green - and I had a PAS pump changed in 2009!

I will be putting green in the 159 shortly.

You will find the manual says G1/E (red) but the sticker under the bonnet G1/R (green)

 

[howell811]

You will find the manual says G1/E (red) but the sticker under the bonnet G1/R (green)

:lol: That's Alfa for you !

 

[paulmacs]

UPDATE:

Took the car to local trusted indie who said the rack would need replaced as it was leaking quite badly however he said as the only issue was the leak (steering is fine, not loose or making any noise), to try a bottle of 'Lucas Stop Leak' for power steering systems and get the underbody washed and take it for a retest.

Added half a bottle of this 'potion'. Within 10 miles the leak had stopped. Took the car to the MOT centre for its retest, and it passed within minutes. No leak found.

Now done 400 miles with no leaks or problems with the rack.

Sorted and through the MOT for a tenner!

 

[cj romeo]

Its through the MOT - but it isnt sorted.

The Dexron was proved to be too thick as it was hence the G1/R reccomendation, putting that treacle in it is short term.

Get it sorted/ flushed out before winter when the gloopiness will cause more problems.

 

[Lebowski]

Who did you use Paul - Eurofix or Jonny Cargo?

 

[Alfa Vincent]

My PAS fluid is almost clear

 

[Guest]

As is mine.

 

[Droid]

Halfords did my steering rack with pattern parts for about £150 on top of my service costs.

 

[paulmacs]

Who did you use Paul - Eurofix or Jonny Cargo?

Neither. Used Hugh Magill at Moira Motors. He is extremely proficient with Alfa engines. Also has examiner and all the diagnostic equipment.

He's the only one I would trust with my car.