Need help with Something (PICS)

[00stangv6lr]

SO i have been leaking fluid for the last week or so. I believe it is power steering fluid cause the level has dropped in that a few times. The brake fluid level does not appear to be going down at all. It looks like a leak in the boot of the power steering rack as you can see from the pictures. What confuses me is that there is oil above the boot too. Any ideas?









The last picture just shows how the fluid is everywhere. On the strut tower and all.

What do I have on my hands here?

 

[squeak93]

I can't see pics while at work. What side is the fluid on the outside of the boot? If its directly under your resevoir check for a lose hose or maybe one with a hole in it. IF its inside of the boot and all your clamps (on boths sides as the crossover tube transfers from side to side) are tight, then your rack is leaking internally and you need a new.

Now, if you just have fluid deposits (dirty and stuff) on the d/s below the oil filter, its possible that is just from oil changes you someone not cleaning up after.

 

[00stangv6lr]

Its only on the bottom of the boot, the top is dry. But fluid is kind of all over the driver side of the engine bay.

 

[squeak93]

Did you just change ur oil or have it done? Thinking maybe the oil filter gasket fromt the old filter is still stuck on your block causing a leak.

 

[trinity_gt]

Perhaps a blown-seal on the steering rack? Make sure you keep an eye on the fluid as that is also the medium for the power brake assist in the hydroboost setup.

If you get down on the ground at this level and have a friend, with the engine idling, move the steering wheel back and forth, do you see fluid coming out in a way that would explain the apparent "spray"?

 

[00stangv6lr]

will have to have a friend help me with the steering wheel trick they all at work tonight. The p/s fluid is ATF right? Would the dex merc be fine to add if it gets low until i figure out whats wrong?

 

[96SCstang]

that there my friend looks like a internal seal on the rack has gave out. see them all the time on various models of cars at my shop. the good news is our racks our fairly easy to do. you will have to have an alignment asap when done though and make sure you lock your steering wheel in the straight ahead position before you take the steering shaft off. otherwise your wheel will free spin and break your airbag clockspring causing a light and loss of airbag operation.

 

[00stangv6lr]

What would I need to make a 03-04 cobra rack fit? The 03-04 cobras do have a tighter rack in them right?

 

[96SCstang]

yea...i little higher steering ratio. it should bolt right in to your car.

 

[00stangv6lr]

Do you happen to know the tag number of cobra rack?

 

[00stangv6lr]

Does anyone know where I can find a detailed write up on how to change the steering rack?