Is there a way to fix a leaky seal in the rack and pinion without having to replace the entire unit? Some sort of stop leak for steering fluid or something maybe? Car is a '97 GT. Thanks.
usually the stop leaks succeed in clogging everything up. where is the leak coming from in the rack? if its completely covered, spray it all with brake cleaner(try not to get too high when you spray it). then keep an eye on it over a week and you will see the leak form. usually the most common spots are where the P/S lines connect to the rack.
The leak seems to be coming from the seal on the shaft, and the leak comes out the area where the boot is. Ford told me that you can not service that inner seal and that the only fix is to replace the entire unit. How hard is that to do? I have a replacement rack and pinion I picked up at Napa, but I am now trying to sell the car and would prefer to find a quick easy fix if one exists.
I looked at my Haynes and Chiltopns manuals, and it doesn't look that difficult, but probably time consuming. Anyone ever changed their rack and pinion, and if so, how difficult, time consuming was it?
its actually really easy on a mustang. its held in by 2 bolts onto the front of hte K-member. i woudl suggest unhooking the fluid lines first, and plug them off. the rack slides off and the new one slides on. there isnt a lot of room for the fluid lines, so you just have to take the time to undo them. also you have to hav ethe car realigned after you put the rack in.
Ok. I read also that I should tie the steering wheel down because if it turns after I have the rack out, it could damage the air bag switch. Does this sound right?