1202 ALARM

Power steering hydraulic fluid leaking out of the end of the steering rack (with the gaiter off showing track rod joint) Power steering pump back in place.

Probably one of the best things I've been (kindly) given on Freecycle is an old flourescent light fitting which I use when I'm working under a car. Combined with the inspection light it means I can actually see what I'm doing without being blinded. This is also the proof that while I'm not the fastest worker, I'm not a 'keyboard mechanic' - if I say I've done it, I've done it, warts and all.

The Skoda Fabia is apparently renowned for developing power steering problems and mine sprung a leak in the steering rack about a month ago. I'm going to replace the rack with one from a scrap car, but decided to clean up the pump in the process. I'm also going to replace the anti-roll bar bushings (I bought the bushings about a year ago and never fitted them) because both jobs involve dropping the front subframe . Of course one of the track rod ends couldn't be easily removed and I needed to resort to the trusty nut-splitter and now one of the ARB drop links is up to the same trick. I've sprayed easing oil round it, but the problem with both these parts is that you need to use an Allen key to keep them from moving while you undo the bolt and after 10 years in a car that can be almost impossible. This is the power steering pump removed from the car. As can be seen, the plastic cover and foam jacket have pretty much disintegrated. The foam was soaking and was the caus...