Steering rack problem

[wayne0]

My VR steering rack rear pipe broke while removing engine, The pipe that looks to be pressed in at both ends and runs from one end of rack to the other, can it be replaced.
pipe circled in pic. Thanks for the help.

 

[shane_3800]

That's only a pressure equalization passage. It's not really needed just tap the holes and put bolts in.

 

[wayne0]

ok thanks, will give it ago.

 

[VPRob]

That's only a pressure equalization passage. It's not really needed just tap the holes and put bolts in.

Wow, that sounds a bit hairy! You'd need to ensure none of the resulting sworfs ended up in the rack. And if that pipe doesn't really do anything why has GM bothered to put it there? Not trying to start a bunfight, just my natural curiosity.

 

[Skylarking]

That's only a pressure equalization passage. It's not really needed just tap the holes and put bolts in.

Vehicle manufacturers rule #1
If a component doesn’t serve a purpose, don’t include it in the build.

Vehicle manufacturers rule #2
If a component can be made to break a week after warranty expires, do so.

Vehicle manufacturers rule #3
The customer is always wrong.

On a more serious note, if that pipe is equalising hydraulic pressure, wouldn’t it mean being unable to do so will likely cause some issue... like a blown seal (either internal or external)?

 

[wayne0]

yeah I though about sworf and was planning on stripping and cleaning out, also will tap it to take another pipe fitting at both ends and make a pipe, once out of car and apart will know more about what I'm dealing with, I was hoping someone would say where I can buy a replacement pipe to press it. Thanks

 

[losh1971]

Just grab one from a wreck.

 

[wayne0]

Just grab one from a wreck.

What other model/year are the same as VR.

 

[wayne0]

Read this on another post on here can anyone confirm this is correct please.
" VN/VP have a splined input shaft which is a bastard to line up.... the VR onwards ones have a rectangle input shaft and are a piece of **** to line up "

 

[VPRob]

I can't confirm the above but there are differences so transfers appear to be limited. I scored a good rack from a VN. Don't know whether it was S1 or S2. Found it wouldn't fit my S2 VP. I think because the input shaft was different. Quite a few years ago so I don't remember the precise details but I remember contemplating changing the steering column so I could fit it but in the end I bought a reco'd rack from Repco. I still have that VN rack lying around so could take a snap of it if useful.