Top Level Public Wiki: feralcoder shared I do car, sewing, wood, and other work in my SHOP One level up: Car Work

WHY EVERYTHING?

The first time I replaced my steering rack (on my older 2005 Subie) I made a mistake - I didn't also replace the pressure and return lines. The decomposing hoses continued fouling my system, and I immediately began experiencing pump noise and rack leakage, within a few thousand miles, then near-total system failure within 30K.

I've done the "everything" job on that older 2005 Subie and we've been great for a few K miles. When I started the job "everything" meant rack and hoses, but by the end it really meant everything. Except for the fluid cooler.

I have that extra rack, newish but leaking, and a pump to rebuild. Once those are done, I've got the remaining parts to repeat this whole job on my newer 2007 Subie!

WHY BOTH CARS?

My newer 2007 has failed boots on both sides and is leaking some. I have to assume it's been contaminated and the leaking will only increase. Plus, I know the hoses are old, and I know what can happen with that. Better safe than sorry, for a bit more work. Plus I'll be doing the suspension, so things are going to get torn apart already...