Power Steering Rack

[falzoony]

Hi everyone.
When I got my car lowered the guys there told me that my power steering rack is leaking(coincidence that they are also power steering specialists?). just wondering if anyone else has had this problem and how much it should cost to get a new one. It's not leaking bad which is why I have left it so long, but now I'm thinking of getting an exhaust my old man's encouraging me to spend my money on things that actually NEED replacing.
any advice would be appreciated.
Thanks
Falzoony

[robbo_yobbo]

I decided to put off power steering leaks at one stage, I think over the time its been put off Ive bought 15-20 1L bottles of power steering fluid which would've payed for your headers or a cat back!

[DoreSlamR]

when i got new tyres put on the guys mentioned mine was leaking a little too, usually it can be left a while unless its pouring out, then its probably a good idea to get it fixed asap

[TCK-098]

After going though looking at split boot for 6 months and then going to skidpan and then ripping boot off rack why replace if such small crack in the last 6 years i havent come across a mechanic that isnt full of therefore id prefer things to actually break other than leak.

Either way you have to fix the thing but how many mechanics swear by the pedders philosophey oh its leaking we charge you 1000+ to fix it GAGF....

Btw the way ford want 400+ for my rack and can get it from wreckers for 220
go figure.

As for exhaust make sure they know what they are doing as 2 exhaust systems during 3.5 years and now i need new cat converter make sure they know what they are doing.

sorry about rant but i hate mechanics period.............

[FGII-XR6]

Originally Posted by TCK-098

Btw the way ford want 400+ for my rack and can get it from wreckers for 220
go figure.

at 400 new i would rather have one that will last rather than a used one that may only last a few months they have a tendancy to leak and the new one has a decent warranty

[falzoony]

Well theres a brand new genuine ford one on ebay at the moment for 250 buy it now. And the guys at the suspension place quoted me around $500. is it really a job that costs $250 to install. I'm not having a go at them thats just the only price I got and I want to now if thats about right. When they told me it's leaking, I think they meant that it weaping as I will rarely find leaks on the ground. Any way I'm going to get a nother quote over the next few days as it is something that I would like to get fixed.

[Sledgehammer]

You may also find that it needs a switch as well as these go too. Good idea if its leaking alot to replace, if its not using much fluid (ie not leaking alot) then just make sure it doesn't run out of fluid. Most power steering places have reco racks that they do themselves and offer warranty etc, we just had one done for $400 bucks

[Oo_xrsx_oO]

Mine has been leaking for the last month or so and I just filled it up the other night. Car is under warranty but the dealer I got the car from is too awkward to get to when I am at work so I have been putting it off.

[falzoony]

As I said before it is only weaping and I am loosing bugger all fluid. I just thought it would be good to fix as I have heard that it can lead to other problems. Not sure what though.

[TCK-098]

Went and got price today for a exchange unit plus fitting $390 so thats better than the other option.

[mik]

Originally Posted by TCK-098

Went and got price today for a exchange unit plus fitting $390 so thats better than the other option.

does that include an alingment?? either way should have one ,

[scorpio39]

My rack started weeping 4 years ago, horrified at the potenial cost of replacement.
I replaced a third of the fluid with Transmission Stop Leak. I've always been a little dubious of the these "magic" cures but to date no weeping.
What have you to lose ?

[falzoony]

I pulled out the quote that I got when I had my suspension done. It's $475 with wheel alignment. I'm going to get a few more prices tommorow.

[falzoony]

Originally Posted by scorpio39

My rack started weeping 4 years ago, horrified at the potenial cost of replacement.
I replaced a third of the fluid with Transmission Stop Leak. I've always been a little dubious of the these "magic" cures but to date no weeping.
What have you to lose ?

I'll give this a go. has anyone else used this?

[scorpio39]

I forgot to mention allow 4 weeks for the weeping to stop. Stop Leak fluid has to work it's way down to the Rack and Seals and this takes time.

[falzoony]

Ok thanks. I put it in my car on saturday. I'm so happy that I didn't spent $500 on a new rack. instead I spent $12 on the stop leak. Thanks for the tip scorpio39

[GK]

I've replaced the rack in both my AUs. Each time it cost me $270 IIRC. They were reco units.

GK

[Bill M]

One of the plastic boot clamps on my rack ends split and there was a slight fluid leak which had me worried for a while. I replaced the clip with a genuine Ford one at just under $4.00 and have no problems or leaks since. Look for the obvious/simplest things first before spending big $$$.
cheers
Bill.