Can I drive with a Rack and Pinion leak?
So I drive a '99 Ford ranger. I took it in to get the brakes looked at. And the mechanic informed me that the rack and pinion is leaking power steering fluid pretty badly. I hadn't noticed anything leaking until he told me. I was wondering how long could I drive it for? They told me it would be anywhere from $800-$1100 to repair. I don't really have that kind of money. Do you think it's worth fixing it? The truck is only worth $2500-$3500 max. What would happen if I kept driving it with the leak? (Not that I would) thanks for any advice!
Your Rangers, PowerSteering pump was known for extremely loud screeching/growl when it was down 2oz of fluid, so I'm calling BS on the mechanic. There's no way in hell you'd not know you had a little seep. Drive it and find yourself a reputable shop to use in the future…
Keep a close eye on your power steering fluid level. If it's simply a seal leak, the system will only fail when it runs out of fluid.
The leak may only be small now, and you can just top up the fluid, and still drive safely. If you check it regularly you can see if the leak is getting worse and it NEEDS to be fixed.
Maybe that will be 12 months time? Maybe you will have traded the vehicle before it gets too bad.
If you are mechanically inclined, a new steering rack would only cost you around $200-$300 or so and you can do it yourself with some perseverance. You just have to keep in mind that you will need to take the inner tie rods off with the outer tie rods still attached so you can keep your wheel alignment as close as possible (although it is still a good idea to get it computer aligned afterwards), and swap them on to the new rack.
Suck the PS fluid out of the reservoir and start adding a bottle of LUCAS brand power steering additive. I've used it many times on customers cars and trucks. The additive reconditions the crystallized seals in the rack so they soften and seal again. It takes a good 6-8 weeks to soften the seals so don't expect instant results. Just keep topping up the reservoir as the system loses fluid until it seals.
I'm not familiar with your Ranger, but know that this is a common problem with many GM and some Chrysler products: what makes the repair expensive on them is that the seals in the steering assembly can't be replaced easily - that the housing itself is worn and to save it must be sleeved - and of course, most shops just want to install a new assembly.
I know that a new assembly for my CHrysler 300 was $1400 (just for the part) … Never heard of Rangers having such expensive bits… Suggest you shop around for other estimates. You can't go forever with the fluid leaking out as it lubricates the entire assembly - not like it becomes a manual R & P gear when it goes dry.
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