I have a 2004 TL that appears to have developed an appetite for steering racks. At 12,900 miles, I heard what sounds like a stick dragging on a fan blade, except it is linked to motor speed, so I knew it wasn't cooling fan related. Dealer found and replaced leaking P/S rack. 2000 miles later, I hear the same problem. Dealer finds and replaces another leaking P/S rack.

The service advisor tells me my car is the only one they have seen doing this...yeah me! The engineer in me asks what would cause two racks fail on the car?

Secondly, has anyone noticed a light ticking (I hate to use the broad term rattle) under moderate acceleration - it almost sounds like the lifters are ticking. This is also coupled with what sounds like a rumble or exhaust or intake turbulance. Advisor "can't hear any of it"...of course he test drove the car in the rain!

I'm starting to regret ignoring my wife's advice to buy the BMW...I hope she doesn't read this!

Anyone out there with same problems?

 

it was probably only 1 rack that failed. the second was probably the dealers fault. poss didnt tighten a line or something. we have done two racks at my dealer for leaks. it is not a common problem. i did the last one in our shop and that was 4 months ago.

 

yes with only 4500 miles on it ,.. back in sept 04 I got my power steering replaced ... I was hearing a cracking noise whe the car was cold and turned the wheel.... But after 10 minutes driving "no noise" very strange" .. the Dealer told me that the P/S had a "HOLE" on it . ,, hell knows how that shit happe ned ... welll right now I'm breaking the 12000 miles and no problems afterwards.. aiight