Rack or Tie Rod

[craig80bc]

Steering seems completely fine and no noises. But sure seems like a good leak down there. Should I just replace the inner tie road or does it looks like the gearbox in the rack is leaking? TIA

 

[Dirt J]

Looks like the steering rack is leaking... AT205 may slow it.

 

[BullElk]

^^^^^

 

[2001LC]

AT-205 has little effect on these rack seals. May slow, but I've yet to see stop. AT-205 does work to stop, for awhile, pinion input shaft seal leak. Inner TRE can be damaged by leak. The fluid gets into sealed ball joint of inner TRE, result in washing out grease. Additionally, if rubber bushing in area, are being soak with oil. They will fail sooner rather than later. Those include rack bushing, LCA bushings and front diff bushing. So one needs to, keep all oil in area, cleaned off.

Rack & pinion (R&P). Rule of thumb:

• Rack leak & Bad mounting bushing. Replace R&P.
• Bad bushing, no leak. Replace bushing.
• Bad inner TRE, no leak and good bushing. Replace inner TRE. Note: New OEM R&P, come with new inner TRE. Inner TRE aren't cheap!

When R&R a R&P I like to:
Clean PS reservoir and replace any weeping PS hoses
I R&R outer TRE (OEM), most times with new R&P (OEM)
Replace any bad ball joints. Or damaged or aged ball joint boots.
Make sure wheel bearings have been properly service (good and tight).
Refresh stabilizer system & suspension as needed.

Drives, handles and rides like new

 

[craig80bc]

Thanks! Very helpful.

 

[TexLexican]

I thought I had a leak as well but then questioned it since ive never had to top off reservoir. Why would there be signs of leaks if no fluid is leaking??

 

[Dirt J]

IIRC the oil cooler is right above that end of the rack. Could be oil and/or coolant leaking from that. Been there, done that too.

 

[2001LC]

Looking at top side of Rack TRE Boot. May yield clues. If top side of boot dry, rack seal is almost always leak..

Often times. Reservoir is so dirty inside and out. Level we think we see, is a stain. Place a flashlight behind can help see real level better.