Steering rack leaking fluid
#1
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:
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?
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:
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?
Last edited by er1c; 06-25-2013 at 05:36 PM.
#5
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 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.
#6
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.
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.
#7
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.
I put some Lucas power steering stop leak fluid into it yesterday as a temporary solution.