Repair of hydraulic steering rack Citroen Berlingo 1.6HDI 16V

We were approached by the owner of a 2017 Citroen Berlingo with complaints of a knocking steering rack. The steering rack was replaced with a rebuilt one from MSG Rebuilding.

Every driver, probably many times heard the reasoning that the car – is a coherent mechanism in which there are no separate parts, and one fault is bound to entail another. If you put off repairing one part, you may not notice how it will put the other parts out of action, and then you'll have to spend a lot more effort, time and money.

If your steering rack isn't leaking, it doesn't mean it's serviceable

The owner of a 2017 Citroen Berlingo approached us with complaints of a knocking steering rack. In principle, this is a fairly standard picture: the mileage on the car was about 150,000 km, at this «age» usually and begin to manifest problems with the chassis. Moreover, the cars of this model – are not of those who are spoilt with gentle operation and timely maintenance. Predominantly they are workhorses, which should carry the driver and his cargo on any roads at any time.

Since the rack, although knocking, was not leaking, the car owner constantly postponed a visit to the service station. Apparently, in his mind, such an amorphous category as knocking was not yet associated with costs. If it was at least a minimal loss of process fluid from the hydraulic booster – then yes. And so it seems that all parts are in place, well, except for «a little» knocking.

Diagnosis and repair progress

But when we dismantled and defected the steering rack of this Berlingo, it turned out to be in a very poor state. There was critical stem wear in the centre position, which was the cause of both the knocking and the severe backlash. The problem was so advanced that this particular unit was beyond repair and needed to be replaced. These are the consequences of an untimely service call.

The reasons for the steering rack failure are equally interesting. Since its hydraulic part was in good working order: the glands and seals were not leaking, the power steering pump and other components were working properly, the problem had to be found elsewhere. And we found it: it was the car's chassis.

It turned out that almost all of the Citroen Berlingo's front suspension parts and components were faulty and also, like the steering rack, needed replacing. Namely:

• the front shock absorbers and their support bearings;
• steering knuckles;
• steering rod dusters;
• transverse stabiliser struts and their rubbers;
• all three engine cushions.

The steering rack was replaced with a remanufactured one from MSG Rebuilding.

Conclusions

 

If the owner of the above vehicle had replaced every faulty part in a timely manner (and we're sure the problems started with minor issues with inexpensive parts), he would have been able to avoid expensive repairs. After all, it was the chassis looseness that eventually led to the wear of the steering rack. A good suspension acts as a vibration damper, without it, road irregularities are transmitted directly to the steering.

In addition, the success of proper treatment depends on the prevention of the condition. In order to keep your car in good working order, you should not only have it repaired, but also have it diagnosed in good time. Especially now that it's even more affordable.

A unique promotion from STS.Parts – free steering diagnostics before summer driving. Plus, we offer a warranty on all hydraulic, mechanical and electric steering racks we repair – six months from the date of sale.

We also offer a warranty on all hydraulic, mechanical and electric steering racks – six months from the date of sale.

STS.Parts – ensuring your car is in good working order and your safety!