AGR Power Steering

[Bob Cowan]

A couple of years ago I finally gave in, and decided to install power steering. I see no need of it for street driving, and for that I actually prefer manual steering. But by the end of a track week end, I was so beat up that I just couldn't function. Old military injuries to the neck and shoulder coming back to haunt me.

So I did a lot of research. I didn't want cheap parts. I wanted parts that could handle the stress of racing without failure. That's why I resisted PS for so long: more weight, more cost, more complexity, another fluid to maintain, and another potential failure point.

About 18 months ago, I finished the installation, using a very expensive AGR rack. I wasn't too worried about the cost. As long as it held up to the stress of racing, I was happy.

2 weeks ago, it failed. Started leaking something awful, and ended our track day. Exactly the reason I was against PS to begin with. Apparently, the hard line seal gave up. Pumped out all the fluid in <1/2 a lap. All over a small 1/2" nylon seal. They're not stock Ford parts, and nobody in my town has anything similar I can use.

I contacted AGR. After a few phone calls and e-mails, they will not sell the parts. They only sell completed components, no repair or maintenance parts. Once the warranty wears out (90 days), you're on your own. If the component fails, it's disposable - you toss it out and buy a new one.

I spent $300 on a rack that failed in 18 months, and is now worth no more than a pretty door stop. Not very happy about that. I can get $47 for it from Autozone as a core return.

So, that's what I did. I ordered another one from Autozone today. Probably won't get it until next week, though. I ordered one to fit a '95 Mustang Cobra R.

Of course, the lines that I have now probably won't fit. So I'll have to order new fittings and make new lines. It won't surprise me to find that that the U-joint or tie rod ends don't fit either. I'll get the rack, and then see what other parts I need to order.

Car's down for 3-4 weeks because of a simple $3 seal.

I would never buy anything from AGR again.

[Jester]

Wow - unfortunate. I am surprised that AGR does not supply replacement parts - I never thought to ask before I purchased my AGR rack (still running manual steering and looking for the proper SP pump to match the rack before I install).

I wish I new this before buying an AGR rack.

What caused the failure? Was your PS pump matched to the rack to insure it was not over pressured (1000psi max), what make PS pump were you using, did the seal fail due to pressure buildup at max steering stop and what seal failed?

If you can provide some details that would be much appreciated - before I make the jump to PS

Thx

.

[Bob Cowan]

I'm using a KRC aluminum racing pump, carefully matched for the rack, using the proper pressure reduction valve.

There are two soft lines that feed into the rack. And then there are two hard lines, one for left turn and one for right turn pressure. It was the hard line seal that failed. Those lines can overpressure if you're holding it against the stops. But I was running the infield at PPIR when it pumped out all the fluid and ended my track day.

It should have been a standard 87-93 Mustang part, but I can't find it anywhere.

Even if I do find one, do I just replace the seal? Then I gotta wonder when it will leak again. If it blows first thing Saturday morning on a race week end, I'll be ticked!

After doing more research, I understand that the Mustang Cobra R rack is stronger, and supposed to be built for more pressure - like 1,300 psi. The hydraulic fittings and the U-joints are different - I can find those. The tie rods are different, to. I'll probably have to make new connectors for the bump steer kit.

[Jester]

Thx for the details,

I guess I will continue with manual rack for the foreseeable future. I need to give this more consideration before deciding on PS - manual steering fits my needs and I like the feel on the road so no need to change at this time

Please let us know the details of the change over (parts etc) once you are up and running.

Thx for the post - good info to know

[Bob Cowan]

So, here it is 2 weeks later, and I'm still struggling with this issue. I can not find replacement seals anywhere. I went to a couple of hydraulic hose shops, but they can't make anything similar to that. I might try driving to Denver this week and finding a shop there.

I tried ordering a rebuilt rack from Autozone. What I wanted was rack #3550, specifically for the '93-96 Mustang Cobra, 5.8L. This rack has a larger rack and pinion, heavier valves, and a bigger body compared to the pre-'93 racks with PN of 3504. #3550 also has metric fittings, and a weird triangular shaped input shaft instead of splines. The Cobra rack also has bigger metric tie rod ends.

Unfortunately, that's not what I got from Autozone. They take a standard 3504 rack, change the tie rod ends and input shaft, and then run a metric tap through the aluminum threads. Definitely a low quality product.

So, I'm moving on to Plan C.

Marke Reynolds at Breeze sells a pair of AN adapter fittings for the rack. Breeze Automotive Factory Five Racing

I'm using those fittings to run the lines between the pump, reservoir, and the rack. Good product that has worked well. The 4 fittings for the cross over tubes are the same size. So I'm going to try and talk mark into selling me 4 9/16" fittings. Then I'll convert the hard lines to AN lines.

I also have Plan D in mind. I'll take the rack to a friend of mine who's a whiz with mill. I'll have him mill the surface around the holes flat and smooth, then use a banjo fitting and crush washers.