Steering rack dilemma

[TenderWarrior]

Hey guys,

On my 04 Land cruiser I noticed the steering rack boot on one side was ripped up pretty good and damp. So I replaced it with a new one and when I did, there was liquid (assuming it was power steering fluid) in the boot and some puddled in the base of the steering rack cylinder the boot connects too. The other side boot is dry and not cracked but has some fluid on the tie rod as I adjusted the boot as it was not on properly sitting tight where it should be.

My question is should I replace the steering rack, or am I assuming it is shot and it’s just fine. I haven’t had it long and it is not a daily driver and I don’t put many miles on it. I haven’t noticed any loss of power steering fluid in the reservoir nor is the steering hard or loose.

Just looking for some feedback before I pull the trigger and get it replaced when I can go without doing so. I plan to drive to Florida from NC this summer and just don’t want any catastrophic failure.

Thanks.

 

[TXLX100]

It is likely just seeping. It can do that for a very long time before fluid starts hitting the ground. As long as the resevioir isn't dropping it should be ok to drive. I drove with my original rack with wet boots for 5 years, and the input shaft area started leaking a lot is why I replaced it.

 

[abuck99]

Try adding ATP 205 and see if that helps the seal. Cant hurt.

ATP Automotive | Automatic Transmission Parts

atpautomotive.com

 

[TenderWarrior]

Thanks guys. Yea I feel like it’s just seeping for now and I’ll just keep an eye on it. I’d like to add the ATP205 or blue devil stop leak before I replace. But the reservoir is full that I can’t even put that stuff in so until then I’ll just wait.

 

[abuck99]

Draw some fluid out of the reservoir and replace with about with an ounce maybe two of ATP205. I would try the ATP205 first as it doesn't swell seals.

 

[guardcompany]

Mine has been seeping for 2 years now. It just drips a bit on the lower control arm never on the floor. I did a full flush and added ATP 205 and it didn't do anything. I have no play in the rack so I'm taking my mechanics advice and not touching it until it gets bad.

 

[TenderWarrior]

Mine has been seeping for 2 years now. It just drips a bit on the lower control arm never on the floor. I did a full flush and added ATP 205 and it didn't do anything. I have no play in the rack so I'm taking my mechanics advice and not touching it until it gets bad.

The ATP stopped the leaking for you or when you said I didn’t do anything you mean it still leaked?

Thanks for the input again, I’ll put in some ATP205 and monitor

 

[guardcompany]

The ATP stopped the leaking for you or when you said I didn’t do anything you mean it still leaked?

Thanks for the input again, I’ll put in some ATP205 and monitor

The ATP 205 didn't stop or slow down the leaking. It made no difference for me at all, good or bad. I might try a flush again and adding it in again but its not on my priority list.

 

[TenderWarrior]

Does anyone have experience with blue devil products or is ATP205 the best?

 

[Dwight S]

I had a rack that was leaking enough to spot my driveway. I bought some ATP205 at my local NAPA. The counter man commented that I must have a leaking power steering rack. I told him yes. He said that it that didn’t stop the leak, nothing would. I poured in a couple of ounces and topped off the reservoir with Mobil 1 transmission fluid. The leak stopped almost immediately. I haven’t had to add any fluid since then.

 

[TenderWarrior]

What power steering fluid do you guys use?