Short-Lived Steering Rack and Radiator

[AvCruiser]

All,

While in the Chik-Fil-A drive-through yesterday, I lost all coolant. A quick look at the steamy engine compartment revealed a disconnected hose which I, probably erroneously, figured was the source of the leak (see photos). Without the time or expertise to inspect further, I returned to the office and arranged for a tow. A new-to-me, but mud-reccomended, shop advised that the radiator's lower tank was the source of the leak, but couldn't explain if/how the tank leak was related to the disconnected hose. Records show that the radiator was replaced by the p/o Nov. 2015 -- 30K miles ago.

The shop, who also performed a state inspection, indicated that the steering rack was leaking severely and that the rig required a replacement rack, pinion and bushings (also suggested new outer tie-rods). It appears that the p/o's shop also replaced a "faulty leaking rack & pinion" with a re-manfd "complete rack assembly" in Jul. 2015 -- 35k miles ago.

Not having worked with this shop, I decided to have her towed home where I plan to inspect over the weekend. Assuming these parts actually need replacement, should I just chalk up the limited life of the steering rack and radiator to low-quality parts/install by the p/o -- or are there underlying issues I need to be aware of? FWIW, it doesn't appear that I, or the p/o, replaced the coolant since the radiator was installed. Same for the steering fluid since the rack install.

I'm not nearly as technically savvy as the collective group, so I appreciate any guidance on these issues. If replacement is warranted I plan to buy, and have this shop install (unless I'm being swindled), a Denso radiator and steering components I'm yet to research. I did consult the "cooling system" section of the manual, but my feeble brain couldn't connect the dots (if any) b/w the disconnected hose and radiator.

p.s. I secured the nuggets and waffle fries before ubering back to the office.

Thanks,

 

[FxFormat]

Search Heater Tees, this is the weakest link of the cooling system, change that, top it off, you're good to go.

 

[dchilds]

I’d never seen a heater t failure actually evidenced until now! I thought it was the boogeyman...but I changed mine anyway.

 

[mrahc]

As the kids would say, you've popped your cherry. Those are the notorious heater tees. Widely documented here and very easy to do with basic tools. Replace the both of them and refill the system, you should be okay after that.

 

[Spike555]

Ok, like others have said you need new heater Tee's, replace them both. I used brass ones from the hardware store, auto parts stores sell metal ones, whatever you use do not use the plastic ones.

Is the bottom of the radiator tank broken, cracked or missing? You can fill the cooling system with water and see if the radiator drips at all before you do anything else. But right now from the sounds of it the shop is looking to screw you over.

As for the steering rack, are you loosing power steering fluid? Or di they just say you needed a new rack based on their inspection because you had the truck in the shop already?

Right now I am suspect of this shop and you do not need anything other than the heater Tee's.

If I were in your shoes I'd replace the heater Tee's, fill the system with water and drive it to see if there are any coolant leaks. Then I would keep an eye on the power steering fluid level.
If no coolant leaks drain water and refill with any over the counter 50/50 coolant of your choice.