Jeep WK rack and pinion problems

OldJeeper

New Member
Joined
Jun 21, 2023
Location
Minnesota
Ok guys here's the scoop.
2005 Jeep WK
4.7l
IFS
2 Inch spacer lift
Bilstein 4600 struts
2 Inch wheel spacers
255/75/17 tires (32x10)
All new front suspension. Upper control arms, lower control arms, sway bar end links, sway bar bushing, tie rods, etc...

The problem I am having is that my rack and pinion only lasts 8 months. I purchased a new, not rebuilt, one and had this installed.

05-10 Jeep Grand Cherokee Commander Mopar H Duty Steering Rack Upgrade ToughRack | eBay

Made no difference. Rack still took a cr**.
This is driving me nuts, please help.
 
What happens to them when they crap out?

Leaking? Getting difficult to turn? Busting the actual rack housing?
 
the piston sliders are worn out. the metal material of the piston is grinding and knocking on the gear assembly itself and the gears are slapping each other.
 
Hmm...not sure what to do to prevent that.

Only other thing to add is I like the Swepco 715 power steering fluid. I'm not sure that a fluid change would solve these issues though.
 
Not to insult but when you’re swapping parts are you doing a COMPLETE flush of the entire PS fluid system? Doesn’t take much debris to eat seals and such.
 
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