steering rack failure with DTT on the D30

[hadtomer]

Hey guys


2 weeks ago i had a big overhaul of several components on the front end.

the rebuild included a new front detroit trutrac (rear has a LOKKA) - and also a rebuild for the steering rack- among other stuff like brakes.

Yesterday i went wheeling on a hard trail - and i got to a point when i had to climb a steep hill with rocks. at a certain point i had to turn the wheel hard to the left and keep it in full lock and then climb. (all in low ratio of course).

Suddenly i hear my spotter shouting "kill the engine!" and i smell power steering fluid.

the steering rack was leaking badly. within 20 seconds i had no power steering. crap.

I would like to know:

1 - I have had the KJ for 2 years now. never had a steering issue (and i have a jba tommud lift) and i have been wheeling hard. Is it possible that my front DTT is stressing the steering rack?

2. My kj is a 2006. my mechanic says the rack on the 06 and 07 is weaker. can i install a 2004-2002 rack and it would make it better?

3.Is there a way to get a better steering rack? maybe some parts from another jeep? I am asking cause my mechanic will probably do another rebuild under warranty and i want it done right.

4. Or maybe it's just a case of bad luck and a poor rebuild........

 

[tjkj2002]

at a certain point i had to turn the wheel hard to the left and keep it in full lock and then climb. (all in low ratio of course).

That killed the rack not the DTT,you never hold full lock for more than 2-3 seconds.

I ran alot of hard trails here in CO and MOAB with a IFS KJ with a DTT up front and never killed a rack.I blew apart a outer CV joint and didn't hurt the front D30A.

 

[RenKJ]

at full lock your rack is continuing to push hydraulic pressure into turning the wheel, there should be a pressure release valve that circulates fluid back to the reservoir, any idea where the blow out happened?

 

[hadtomer]

at full lock your rack is continuing to push hydraulic pressure into turning the wheel, there should be a pressure release valve that circulates fluid back to the reservoir, any idea where the blow out happened?

not yet-they are taking the rack apart now

 

[tjkj2002]

not yet-they are taking the rack apart now

I have always found it'***** or miss on a reman rack,buying a new one is the way to go but very hard to do on a vehicle that has been out of production for 12 years.

 

[hadtomer]

I have always found it'***** or miss on a reman rack,buying a new one is the way to go but very hard to do on a vehicle that has been out of production for 12 years.

my thoughts exactly.