Leaking Steering Rack

[sublime187]

Basically since the second week of ownership of my car (about 7 months ago), I found that I was losing PS fluid. It wasn't apparent where it was leaking from at the time. I had the PS pump replaced and lines cleaned... Well, within the last couple of months I found out that my steering rack is leaking steadily. This is something I've chosen to live with for now, and I've gotten by with adding PS fluid every 3 or 4 weeks when the pump would start groaning a bit. My question is this: can I continue to get by like this without causing any type of further damage? I simply cannot afford to replace the steering rack at this time. Also, does anybody have a ballpark figure on what replacement might cost me? Thank you in advance.

[maxnix]

Groaning is the pump being damaged, so if you continue, you will be replacing both the pump and the rack.

From Joe, new Nissan rack about $1,100. Rebuilt Meridian, about $400. Might check with board member IRAX to see if he has a NICO special.

Rebuild kit is about $85.

Be sure to check the high and low pressure steering hoses and their fittings.

Oooops! The above is for the G50.

Never heard of a FGY33 rack going bad yet. When was the last time you exchanged the fluid and what was its condition?

[sublime187]

I had all fluids changed when I bought the car back in February. At the time my mechanic could not find any fluid loss, I actually took the car to him specifically for this issue probably 3 times. He recommended replacing the PS pump, which he did. That did not fix the issue. He repeated to me that he did not see any leaks whatsoever in the system. Within a couple months, however, the leak became apparent. It's leaking right from the rack. I understand the noise comes from the PS pump being starved. It actually leaks so slow, though, that I don't hear any noise for at least 3 to 4 weeks after I top it off. I actually monitor it frequently enough to make sure that my level is never too low. So is this something I can live with for awhile without causing further damage to the steering system or anything else, simply from the fact that there is PS fluid all over the underbody of my car?

[maxnix]

Not sure why he replaced the pump if there was no sign of leakage?

Did he use the correct Dexron compatible fluid? Most here use M1 ATF.

Once again, if it groans, you are damaging the pump. Check more frequently and pray for a gradual and not catastrophic failure.

[bullittandy]

I think you can live with it as long as the fluid never gets too low. You might try a powersteering additive that is supposed to stop leaks-you've got nothing to lose.

If you're interested i've got a used rack that i will sell for cheap.

Good luck!!

[carfrk666]

check ebay, there is a company that had racks for my Q on there, they where 165 for mine plus shipping, but i couldnt afford it

[Unnatural1]

Not sure why he replaced the pump if there was no sign of leakage?

Because he's an a$$!

The groaning is your pump being starved of fluid and/or air in the system. If you really stay on top of this situation and don't allow the fluid to get too low, you can probably limp by as is.

I've seen BADLY groaning P/S pumps survive after a leak is fixed and the systems bled. I would not let it get to that point since you now have a new pump you don't want to destroy. Just keep an eye on the fluid level until you can take care of the rack.

Find a new mechanic.

[sublime187]

Yeah, I forgot to mention that I did use a couple bottles of Lucas steering stop leak. I suppose it probably thickened it up and slowed the leak. Actually, the groaning occurs much less frequently now than it used to. I'm guessing maybe since the stuff is thicker than frozen molasses. Ya know, if it wasn't for the little drops of ATF left on my parking spot I probably wouldn't even mind this problem.

[maxnix]

Pouring goo into a hydraulic system is never good.

Better plan on flushing the whole system once repaired, not just the simulataneous extraction and refill.

[GThreat]

Still have that rack? Will it fit a 1999 Q45T?