Well yesterday I went to my mechanic to have the sway bar links replaced. He diagnosed it before looking at it, but wanted to check under the car before, just to double check. When he put the car on the lift, he noticed fluid all over the bottom of the car, and looked further up under the car. He later said my steering rack is leaking and needs to be replaced. I've known him for many years and know he wouldnt b/s me about something like this. Why would my steering rack need to be replaced? Has anyone else had this problem?

 

I had the exact same problem, mine was replaced at 58k miles. The total bill would have been $1600 for the rack, lines, and labor. My extended waranty paid for itself right there.

 

I have replaced steering racks in my driveway on 89 and 91 max. Rebuilt rack was about $250.

Did bust some knuckles.. and spend about 1/2 day doing it ..but you can do it... only 4 bolts hold it to the body, and then the hydralic line , and return line and the steering wheel clamp.

Takes 1/2 hour to re-align the steering wheel since you need to hook it up.. and then drive it around the block to see if it is straight.. then move is a tooth or two.

It is a pain in the A(( but you can do it if you take your time.

Make sure they flush out the lines and replace the fluid for the power steering fluid which for 89/91 is auto trans fluid.

Chips/dirt in the hydralic lines can.. ruin the new rack in a short time.