Steering rack replacement or repair?

[nitro71]

After extensive searching it seems my steering rack might be going south. It has a fair amout of slop in it and is leaking from the lower seal.

Is there a way to just replace the seal? Has anyone tried stop leak for power steering? Will it mess up the pump or gear?

I'll try adjusting the worm gear a little on top and see if it takes the slop out. I can live with the leak if necessary. If I do decide to replace it what is the best brand to go with? Looks like Rock Auto has some options then there is Napa. Napa is easy. Any variation in quality or warranty?

 

[Anime]

Steering rack? You mean the steering shaft or the steering pump? I assume you mean the pump since it's the only thing with fluid in it to leak, the rack and the steering assembly itself just have grease on the joints. Pump replacement is pretty straightforward, take the fluid out, pop the old one off, pop the new one on, put new Type F ATF in, bleed it, done.

Rockauto is a good deal since forum members get an extra discount, but Napa stuff tends to be worth it on items with a lifetime warranty. I usually suggest sticking with Motorcraft if you can, otherwise Napa is good, or if you find a smoking deal on a part, assuming it's still a good brand, it can be worth the savings, especially on those hundreds-of-dollars items.

 

[nitro71]

I'm getting fluid weeping out of the bottom of the steering gear/rack where the arm connects to the tie rods.. Read about the problem in some of the past posts. Seems pretty common.

 

[nitro71]

I'm starting to just go NAPA for local stuff. Ford thinks there parts are made of gold. Going to start using Rock Auto for stuff I don't need yesterday. I really like their website and how to find parts. Prices rock to!

 

[marragtop]

I would not put any type of stop leak/sealer in it.

 

[nitro71]

I just want to make sure I understand the options available. I tightened the gear up with the adjuster and it is steering perfectly. I still have the leak problem on the bottom of it. As I understand the best, pretty much only options are to replace it or live with the leak.

 

[IZwack]

Yeah just replace it - its faster than trying to rebuild.

 

[Robrt32]

mine will leak a little every now and then..... drives good gonna have to get worse before I even consider it

 

[cculter]

Mine was leaking a few years back. Had a friend at a body/allignment shop fix it for me. He told me he replaced the seal, not sure what he did, but it only cost me a 30 pack!

 

[dansnyder22]

the whole thing new is around 150 bucks and the rebuild kit is about 77. there is always the junk yard too if money is tight