Power Steering leak

[2002_lincolnLS]

The passenger side is leaking. It looks like it is dripping off of the bottom of the boot. It doesn't leak terribly unless you crank the wheel (can't recall off hand which way)

I noticed that a couple tubes push into the boot, where do these go? When I replaced the driver side inner outer tierod there was nothing in there for fluid to go to...

What could be leaking inside the boot that would cause it to be leaking out. It doesn't look like it is coming from the lines on the boot, but perhaps a tear on the bottom.

I am just trying to get an idea of what I even should look for or expect.

 

[joegr]

It's the seal on that end of the rack. They make rebuild kits, but everyone says to just replace the rack because there is usually a reason that the seal failed.

(The torn boot is there to keep dust and dirt out, not fluid in. Fluid should not make it as far as the boot. I think the tubes just transfer air from one side to the other as you turn. One side contracts and pushes air out while the other side extends and takes air in.)

I am assuming that you verified it is coming from the rack and not dripping down from the hydraulic fan pump.

 

[2002_lincolnLS]

It's the seal on that end of the rack. They make rebuild kits, but everyone says to just replace the rack because there is usually a reason that the seal failed.

(The torn boot is there to keep dust and dirt out, not fluid in. Fluid should not make it as far as the boot. I think the tubes just transfer air from one side to the other as you turn. One side contracts and pushes air out while the other side extends and takes air in.)

I am assuming that you verified it is coming from the rack and not dripping down from the hydraulic fan pump.

Well it leaks ps fluid the fan has never leaked any fluid or if it has t has been very minimal. I have to add ps fluid about once a month. I am sure a rack will cost a small fortune, and probably a pain to put in

 

[LS4me]

Well it leaks ps fluid the fan has never leaked any fluid or if it has t has been very minimal. I have to add ps fluid about once a month. I am sure a rack will cost a small fortune, and probably a pain to put in

P/S fluid burns very well. Don't ask me how I know......

 

[jolinc01]

Joe is right about the tubes, they're there to equalize pressure. If you didn't have them you would blow out the boots. My driver side seal is leaking a little right now too. The rack is around $200 and actually doesn't look like it'd be all that hard to replace.

 

[2002_lincolnLS]

200, hmm that's much less than I figured. I may have to look into this next weekend.

 

[joegr]

Well it leaks ps fluid the fan has never leaked any fluid or if it has t has been very minimal. I have to add ps fluid about once a month. I am sure a rack will cost a small fortune, and probably a pain to put in

You have been really adding Mercon transmission fluid and not power steering fluid, right?

 

[2002_lincolnLS]

Th LS used net on tranny fluid for the power steering? Hope I didn't ruin it with power steering fluid

 

[joegr]

Th LS used net on tranny fluid for the power steering? Hope I didn't ruin it with power steering fluid

In their defense, it is in the owner's manual and it is a fairly normal practice for Ford.

You probably didn't do any damage. I would drain it all out when you change the rack.

 

[2002_lincolnLS]

Alrighty then, I knew the hydraulic fan uses a Mercon type fluid, I didn't know about the power steering though.

Well I will replace it with Mercon when I put a new rack on