My L322 has been leaking power steering fluid and my local mechanic said it was the rack itself leaking. He is suggesting I buy a remanufactured steering rack but that seems like a brute force fix. Is this a common problem? Are there seals that can be replaced? If they aren't user serviceable, has someone made a side business repairing them? If it matters, I'm in the USA.

Edit: Ok, it looks like I can buy them remanufactured for around $500 (incl $200 core charge). If my indy shop doesn't want to install this if I source it myself, is there a good DIY somewhere describing the process? I have the service manual, but I'm sure there are tricks not listed in there. BTW, my shop is asking for over $2000 for the repair, $1500 for labor is enough to justify me doing the work myself.

They do have problems and can leak. I've not seen anyone try to do a home repair on one as reconditioned ones are available for about the price you're talking about. Used ones are available and I recently sold one that seemed fine for £50.

Changing the steering rack is not an easy job. Access to the steering column is reasonable through the r/h wheel arch line to remove that bolt. Pipes are reasonably easy. The harder thing is the engine sub-frame needs to be lowered and engine supported to remove the steering rack (it is slightly easier with the rack ends removed). Having said that, if you have access to a ramp and gearbox jack, then it is something like a 2.5-3 hr job. Make sure you remove the old rack and install the new rack with the steering set straight ahead. Current:
- 2013 L405 4.4 TDV8 Vogue
Sold:
- 2004 L322 4.4 Vogue (BRC LPG)
- 2002 L322 4.4 HSE (having fixed timing chain guides)
- 2000 P38 4.6 Vogue (BRC LPG)
- 1981 2-door In-Vogue
- 1980 Ex-Army SIII LWB
- 1976 SIII LWB
- 1968 SIIA
Stripped for parts:
- 2003 L322 4.4 Vogue

Thanks for the reply. It turns out the price was so high because they were buying the remanufactured steering rack for $1500. They are willing to install a rack I source myself so I'm going to go down that path instead. I certainly wasn't looking forward to doing this myself. Total price now is going to be $1200 including labor and alignment.