Steering rack flooded. Happened to you????

n8ve_stang · 04-02-2009

I had a mechanic look at my ride because my power steering seemed to use alot of fluid. Turns out the guy said my steering rack is flooded. So i've been driving without putting any fluid in for 5 days. its pretty hard to turn the stang. 2 ?'s.........
1. How would i change this?
2. Does it need changing? or is there some way or some one to drain it out and fix it. Should i do it myself.? ny helpis appreciated.

DBT4220 · 04-02-2009

well if you run it without any power steering fluid in the pump then you are running the risk of burning up the power steering pump. (if that hasnt already happened) thats my little bit of advice. just wait a little and your answer will come up.

NavySVO · 04-02-2009

I am confused here.

Is the fluid leaking out of the seal, line, .......?

MyfirstFord93lx · 04-05-2009

My 93 lx uses a lot of fluid as well. I was told I have a leak but in the 6 months I've owned the car I've only seen one spot in the driveway about the size of a dime. In the same amount of time I've used more than a quart of fluid. Fill it up and it works great for a few days then the noise starts again.

Zony Pony · 04-05-2009

I believe it is possible that the power steering fluid leaks into one of the dust cover "boots" on the steering rack linkage--and then collects there without dripping out onto the ground. My 1993 lx has this problem and I am watching it for eventual replacement of the steering rack. Apparently a seal is leaking the fluid out of the rack, and I am told that replacing the entire rack is the only fix.

NavySVO · 04-06-2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zony Pony

I am told that replacing the entire rack is the only fix.

Nah, you can buy a rebuild kit for them.

n8ve_stang · 04-09-2009

Im not sure where mine is leaking from. I was thinking of replacing the rack. I found one for 79.92 from Rock Auto. If not i was gonna put on my other pump and see what happens. I've been running with no power steering for 2 weeks. Its not bad for me. but turning at a dead stop sux. I will keep you gents posted. BTW what is the cost of rebuilding it compared to replacing. Has any1 rebuilt the rack.? and has any1 replaced the rack. On a scale of 1-10 including time and work which way is better.

edzdallas79 · 04-10-2009

i replaced my rack in my 92 about 2 months ago. overall, it wasn't bad. drop the tie rod ends, undo 2 lines and let any fluid in the system drain, 2 mounting bolts on the rack and 1 pinch bolt where the steering shaft meets the rack (11mm 12 pt socket if i remember) - this was the hardest part for sure. i ended up disconnecting it at the top of the steering shaft, pulling the entire rack and shaft out and going from there which was a good thing because my rag joint needed to be replaced.

i guess with the right directions and if i would have been working on it constantly instead of spread out over several days i would have gotten it done in about 5 hours. if you do decide to do it, just make sure the steering wheel is centered when you take the old one off so that the rack will be centered and the new one should be centered when you get it. also, after you pull the old rack and go to take off the tie rod ends, count the number of turns so when you put them (or new ones) on the replacement rack, you may not need an alignment. i went ahead and got an alignment afterwards and was only 1 turn off on drivers side. =(