AGR Power Steering

[bobcowan]

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.