[Jeepman]

Yes, when that steel line (not a hose) on the rack goes, it's game over for the rack, apparently. Such was the situation for a 2002 DGC I once owned. There's a fair amount of labor involved in replacing the rack.

One would think that brake line would work for the steel line replacement, but I guess not.

Might want to consider replacing the hoses to the rack at the same time. Also, there's a boot around the steering column at the floor, where the rack connects to the steering column, that keeps fumes out of the cabin. It can deteriorate and split. Good time to replace it as well. I have one in my stash. It never got replaced.

 

[Jeepman]

Interesting that they sell those two steel lines as they typically corrode and are replaced by a new rack.

The other hydraulic lines (to the pump and reservoir) are replaceable. A crows foot or tube wrench may be required though.

 

[Jeepman]

Those lines will have to be custom made. No one makes them to fit in the aftermarket. If you can take them off intact and can copy the bends to make them yourself or take them to a hydraulic shop. If you can't do that or no shop like that exists around you... rack time.

He found them on Amazon, not too expensive either.

 

[Jeepman]

Those are the high pressure lines that is on the rack itself. The rack is not leaking otherwise, no play when moving the wheels... I really wonder why that alignment shop told me to replace it - or maybe they've seen the condition of those lines


What about those I found on Amazon then ?

Rack and Pinion Transfer Line Hard Hydraulic Lines For Dodge Grand Caravan 2011-2020 | For Chrysler Town Country 2011-2016 | For Ram C/V 2013-2015, Complete Units - Amazon Canada

Rack and Pinion Transfer Line Hard Hydraulic Lines For Dodge Grand Caravan 2011-2020 | For Chrysler Town Country 2011-2016 | For Ram C/V 2013-2015 in Complete Units.

www.amazon.ca

Maybe I should buy an entire rack and just replace the punctured line. Once the rack fails (since I've been told that it needs replacement), I can just replace it and move the lines back to it ...

Worst week for it to happen... cold AF outside, we're moving ...

What if I use the car with this leak ? This will kill the pump, what worse can happen ?

Thanks

I should have checked your link before. That was a good find.

Corrosion is from outside in. The fact that they corrode doesn't mean the rack has failed internally. I guess Shops replace those lines or they wouldn't have them available. I assumed they didn't exist but could be made up.

The cradle may be in the way when working in that area. Sienile will be more familiar with the job.

I drove a van 30 km with one leaking once, all depends on the size of the leak. Steering was a bit strange by the time I got home. I replaced the pump later on, after the rack was replaced.

 

[Jeepman]

Another Amazon source. $119.96 Canadian. Delivery is a bit long though.