After my 98 2wd has been sitting for a while the ps leaks out. After inspection I discovered it is coming from the rack. Its leaking out if the tie rod end,. Is this repairable or do you have to change out the rack?
John

 

Mine was leaking up top. Though it's possible to rebuild them, it's probably better to use yours as a core to get a new or rebuilt one. Not cheap I'm afraid.

 

the rack is bad Ive done this 3 times on my 98 so far.

thank god I had a lifetime warranty on it but still..

expect like 150 for the rack itself and like a 200 core charge but you get the core charge back once you return the old one.

 

I have a used rack, is it worth swapping?
John

 

Seems like it would be worth it to me. 98-00 racks are a bit different than the 01+ racks, just an fyi.


If it works it saves you 150 bucks.

 

remember there is a difference between reg cab racks and ext cab something with the turn ratio

 

Mine's been leaking for a LONG time, from the right side.

I found that if I modify my parking procedure, the leak is minimal.

I used to park it with the wheel cranked about a turn to the right, due to my sidekick little driveway spot. Now, I back up and crank it almost a turn LEFT instead and what used to be a puddle underneath has diminished to a mere drip or two. More than that if it sits for a few days.

 

why not just replace it than worry about how you park?

 

The main difference in the racks is the hydraulic fittings. I used a 1995 Mountaneer rack I got off ebay (new old stock) and used the Mountaineer hoses. It was cheaper to do that and buy the hoses than to do an exchange for the "correct" rack.

That rack just came off my truck and it held up long enough to get me to the SAS.

 

That is why your fittings fit the F250 steering box. The 01+ just have the plate that clamps the fittings into place.

 

Actually, they didn't fit the box -- they fit the pump. That is to say: the F-150 Bronco hose did bolt up to my 2002 pump. Neither Ranger/Mountaineer hose would have bolted up to the steering box. The steering box uses a double flare, the rack (from the 1995) used the teflon ring type fittings.

 

Ah maybe that was mazda98 (Walter) that said they fit the toyota box... must have just gotten confused.

 

Well my 98 is standard cab and my 2 spares are both ext cab....seems it would just make the steering quicker???
John

 

My little brothers leaks in just about the same spot as yours. Out the passengeer boot. Covers the brand new DJM arms and everything. Has been leaking for quite a while. 01 reg cab XL. He hasn't touched it yet. Just had to make sure he checks the fluid about every week. Ironically, it doesn't leak enough, because it doesn't coat the driveway, like when mine was leaking.

 

the thread pitch was the same as the yota box for my mazda steering hoses,i just had to re flair the end that screwed into the yota box,it takes patients but it can be done,i so far have no leaks,and it works great.