I'm getting ready to fix couple of issues on my GL. Another wheel bearing (been there, done that) and steering rack. Its leaking and making clucking noise sometimes, when vehicle is not moving. If any of you have any suggestions or comments as to fixing the steering rack, I'd appreciate it. Should I get a new one or rebuilt/refurbished unit? Is it possible to do a DYI rebuild of the steering rack? I would like it to last another 150k-200k miles, if possible. Anything else I should do/check while I'm there? Otherwise, vehicle is running fine, no complaints.

 

status update:
I ended up with a new Bilstein rack. I tried to cheat a bit but ended up doing more work. Watch this video first and do what he says. Don't be like me.

 

Just had my Power Steering rack rebuilt by a Power Steering Specialist, they disassembled the rack before removing it from the vehicle and reassembled the newly repaired rack in the vehicle(instead of removing the front differential) the culprit was the inner tie rod ends that were binding up. Repair was $975.00AU car driving like brand new now

 

@a2j So you ended up having to drop the differential to get the rack out?

 

Bosch Steering rack at FCP euro cost $517 + tax.

 

Curious - didn't see any racks on FCP for the 2007 GL.

MAVAL 93277M Remanufactured is on Rock Auto for $310 after core. This is with the speed sensitive steering valve.

 

the one i found is the following (please excuse the large font that was copy/paste from FCP website)

Mercedes Steering Rack - Bosch ZF 1644600300

GL320, GL450, ML500, ML63 AMG

https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/mer...-zf-1644600300

 

Their web site is a little bogus.

https://www.fcpeuro.com/Mercedes~Ben...ack/?year=2007

 

I had to move it out of the way. Not completely out but I did remove both axles to be able to move the differential low enough to get the rack in and out.

 

It's not uncommon for FCP to have a given part, but not have it set up correctly in the catalog such that it'll show up when you browse for parts for your car. They'll sometimes even have multiple manufacturers for a certain part, but only show some for your car. Not surprisingly their catalog will show you parts that won't fit your spceific car too (2wd parts for your 4wd or the like). The good news is their support is generally very responsive and accurate. You can send them your vin and what you're looking for and they'll be able to help you out.

Having the part number(s) and searching that way is the foolproof method. This is the only way to do it for the Land Rover I picked up a little while ago since that area of their catalog leaves a lot to be desired.

A word of warning: make sure you use the original steering rack box to send the core back, or at least fold it up and include it. The last time I ordered a rack from them the box showed up completely mangled and torn apart. I sent the core back in a new box since the old one was unusable but ended up completely losing my $400 core charge because I didn't send the original box. I'm still a little salty about it