Two weeks into ownership of our new Fabia and it's disgracing itself by spotting the driveway with oil, something the rest of my cars manage not to do despite all being older! 

 

Whilst under it last week doing oil and filters I noticed the steering rack gaiter was dripping a bit of oil and found to be loose at the little end due to a slack spring clip which I've replaced. 

 

Now correct me if I'm wrong but I don't think the outer ends of the rack should be "wet" ? Does this point to a leaking seal on the rack?

 

Compound this with a symptom I'm noticing on low speed quick turns where the steering feel is definitely "notchy" 

 

If I get time tomorrow I shall have the battery and air filter housing out for further investigation in that area. I understand there is an electrically driven PAS pump under there?

 

Any further thoughts or pointers welcome!

 

Ta, Phil

Private sale or dealer?

The rack seals are shot, you need a new one, take the car back if you bought it from a dealer, tell them you want a refund if they don't sort it.

Alternatively if you bought it privately you have less protection but you paid less and can afford to get the rack changed professionally.

Either way diving into the engine bay yourself isn't going to get you anywhere, the rack is under the car.

Any chance the car has travelled a little sideways into a kerb in the last two weeks?

Private purchase, I've budgeted for a bit of remedial work. 

 

Not had any knocks in our care, but the state of the alloys suggests it's kissed a few curbs in it's time! 

 

Reasoning behind diving into the engine bay would be to check the fluid level at the pump and to determine there is no other source of an oil leak. The general area around the rack end and lower wishbone inner mountings is pretty oily. 

 

Will get the car up again for a look anyway and report back, does sound like it's going to be needing a new rack  / rebuild. 

Well, just to round this off sepulchrave was correct in his diagnosis, rack seals shot. Rapidly became apparent that it was peeing PAS juice. 

 

Recon rack purchased last week for £150 (outright) and fitting was pleasantly straightforward. 

 

Steering feel at low speeds greatly improved! Happy days