Steering rack leaking fluid
 

After noticing my power steering fluid was low last week (approx. 1" below 'MIN' line), I went ahead and ordered power steering fluid from LR to do a flush.

Well the fluid arrived in the mail today. And when I removed the side plastic panel by the driver's side wheel... I saw why my reservoir was low. There was fluid all on the rack.

Here's two pictures I snapped:

http://www.disco3.co.uk/gallery/albu...3928/1%7E7.jpg

http://www.disco3.co.uk/gallery/albu...3928/2%7E7.jpg

Perhaps someone can tell from the pictures where the leak is originating from and what my options are? Could it be a bad seal? Are new seal kits even sold for these racks or do I need to buy a whole new unit? :confused:

To find out if it's coming from the boot area and not the housing, do I simply just remove the boot and look for fluid?

Anyone have any ideas?

The boot does not hold fluid, or at least it is not supposed to. There is a seal in the rack, past the inner tie rod that seals the fluid into the rack, the boot is there to keep dirt away from that seal.

I do not know if that seal is serviceable, but I somewhat doubt it. I'll look into it and let you know what I find.

I also misread one of your posts. Thought you were saying it was coming from the boot.

The most common leak on the rack itself is from the pinion seal at the very top of the rack. I have also seen the lines leak a few times. A bad seal at the rack end, inside the boot, is no common on these, however if that inner tie rod has been replaced, there is a chance to foul the seal during that repair.

Dave, thanks for info. So, if it turns out to be the pinion seal then, does this mean I have to replace the whole rack as it isn't serviceable? So, really my only chance at being able to salvage the rack would probably be if its a line leaking I take it? Thanks again.

I put some Lucas power steering stop leak fluid into it yesterday as a temporary solution.

How are you making out. I have what seems to be the exact same issue. Just can't figure out where the leak is. Attachment 18115

My '05 is also a mess just like your photos. Would love to hear if anybody took theirs to the dealer and got it sorted, or sorted it out on their own.

Mine was seals and o rings on rack. 275 from my Indy. He's a lr master tech. In north jersey if you want his info. Pm me.