Steering rack leak. Rebuild or replace?

[Sean90GT]

I noticed tonight that the steering rack on my wife's '96 X is leaking. It's an XLT 4x4 with 86k miles.

The boot on the driver's side is coated with fluid and so is the lower control arm. It does not appear to be a bad leak. The fluid in the pump was just a hair low and there was no leakage on the ground after it sitting for about 4 hours.

My question is, can the rack be rebuilt? Would a stop-leak product work? Or should I be replacing the rack? Any help would be appreciated.

I have plenty of experience working on my (highly) modified Mustang which I do all the wrenching on but limited experience with the X (and no experience with power steering systems). The miles are getting up on the X so I am learning by necessity. Thanks for any advice!

Sean.

 

[JoshC]

Welcome to the boards Sean, you should find all the info here that you need.

As for the rack. I think since the leak is still small, i would try some stop leak first. I'm not really sure if the rack can be rebuilt, but i would rather by a new somewhere that has a warrenty because it is not fun squeezing that thing out of there. I've did mine twice and i hated it both times!

Happy trails!!

 

[Sean90GT]

Thanks for the reply Jot! I'm going to be picking up some stop-leak on the way home tonight and see how that does. Couldn't hurt I guess.

If it takes a complete dump then I'll just pick up a new unit though it sounds like I would not be enjoying the R&R! Guess it couldn't be tougher than converting my Mustang from auto to 5-speed!

Thanks again!

Sean.

 

[axleman2]

If the rack has fluid in the boot than you need to get it replaced. Stop leak will not solve the problem. I also wouldn't try and rebuild it yourself , as they can be very tweaky.

 

[kandtholman]

Just buy a refurbished one or a used one out of a junker. THey usually have warranty on them as well. You will pay a little bit but never have to do it again.
Kurt