The steering rack on my 2002 Grand Vitara sprung a leak at the top where the steering flexible shaft connects to the top of the unit. This is the 1st time I am opening this thing up..


Rack leaks right around the seal at the top where the steering shaft connects to it.


Another angle, metal hard lines removed.


Pulled the head out and noticed a greasy substance..


Better view.. Does it really have grease in there? I though the steering fluid did all the lubrication..


More 'grease' seen down in the rack..


Is that really grease or is it sludge build up? I have a 2003 model and this is the original rack..

Yup - that's grease - fluid doesn't flow in that area.

In the rack itself the fluid flows between the two unions - one at the passenger end and the other midway down the rack - that's actually where the power assist is done, and there's a control valve section in the "head" that you took off.

I don't know if you're aware of this - but Suzuki considers the rack assembly to be "element replace" - you can change the rack ends, the boots, and the rod ends, but for anything else, you replace the entire unit.

Ok, that's makes sense now.. I will clean and reapply some synthetic grease before reassembling.

I am aware Suzuki doesn't sell parts for the steering rack.. so I am hoping to find used parts in good condition to repair mine.

The cost for a new rack...

I would think it's a simple seal, otherwise just
get a used wrecking yard replacement.

More and more manufacturers are making components as non-rebuildable and disposable. This is to make more money and force people to buy parts from the manufacturer/stealership rather than a local mechanic servicing the component.

I got a used seal and it was a simple change. Popped the old seal out and carefully pressed in the 'new' one.. Very basic tools were required to get the job done, saved me quite abit and the new seal is holding out fine so far..

That is good news, good job

Wild