seeping steering rack

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dustbowl

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dustbowl
I just purchased a 99 lx 470 and when i was servicing it i noticed one of the rubber boots on the passenger side of the steering rack was oily. it isn't dripping yet so i was wondering if anyone has any advice or experience of how long before a replacement will be necessary? is there any product like lucas power steering fix in a can that actually works? the mileage on the car is 202000 miles.

Thanks
 
I have heard folks driving for years with it leaking. The more important thing you should worry about is if the bushings or tie rod ends are loose. If so, you are up for a replacement sooner than later.

If not, keep it topped it and replace it when you feel like it.
 
Kind of a double edged sword. You can keep milking it and refilling but if you replace the steering rack you will enjoy the benefits of tight steering. My suggestion is to replace the cv boots at the same time. I do believe you can hold off considering that it's not an outright run but if you intend to wheel it or go remote it's good preventative maintenance. Also, this is definitely a replacement where OEM is the best option.
 
almost 3.5 years into mine weeping. The rack is still sufficiently tight not to worry on long road trips or in remote country. My PS reservoir fluid level rarely if ever changes. Save yourself the time, money and hassle and wait for the rack to loosen up. Before then its likely, depending on if and how hard you wheel it, replacing the passenger side D bushing may get you a few extra miles with tighter steering.

OEM is the only way to go as per those here on the forum that went in a different direction and learned the hard way. When you do order look up MUD vendors such as Sam Stewart or Beno. They can assist with the "while you are in there parts"
 
thanks very much for your input. the steering isn't loose at all,there is only a seep that never drips that i can tell. is there any need to look into an additive such as lucas or just change the fluid? how do i replace the D bushing?
 
Mine has 140k and has been seeping since at least 100k, steering is still very tight. Not sure what a seeping rack would have to do with tightness unless it was just pouring out and something wore.

I plan to wait until it hits the ground or is slinging it. I keep an eye on my fluids every fill up and haven't topped off PS fluid in at least a couple of years.

I'd skip the additives or stop leak, could necessitate more than a rack replacement at some point. Just my opinion though.
 
TXLX100 said:
Not sure what a seeping rack would have to do with tightness unless it was just pouring out and something wore.
Click to expand...

When the bushings in the rack are worn, it can move around and cause the rack to leak.
 
I replaced my rack at around 180k. It had been weeping fluid for about a year prior (10k miles). Now I have no more stains on the driveway and the steering is so much better/tighter! I replaced the linkages connecting the rack to the front wheels at that time as well as they were worn out.
 
Mine was a little wet 80 k miles ago. I put Lucas steering stop leak in it 80 k ago and it stopped the leak with no other complications. My level has stayed where it is for 4 years since I added the Lucas product. I say go for it.
 
Thanks for sharing your experiences. it sounds like for most the leak is a long term annoyance that I can tolerate. with 200000 miles on the clock i don't expect things to be perfect but i do want it to be dependable. I think i will replace the fluid with fresh Dextron III for now as a base line and continue to evaluate the situation.
 
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