I was under my 02 SE last week doing an oil change and I discovered this mess on the rack and pinion. This picture was taken after I wiped off a lot of the gunk.


Rack&Pinion Drivers Side

It appears to be coming from here:


RETAINER-POWER STEERING GEAR

I haven't found anyone discussing a leak like this.

Does anyone know what this part does? Does it seem that it would be a likely source of a leak?

The grime that I wiped off had so much crud in it that I couldn't really tell if it was actually power steering fluid or something else.

I suppose it is possible that the leak is coming from somewhere above this, like the engine. Rear valve cover maybe?

I have lost a very small amount of power steering fluid but it seems like it is mostly coming from the the large suction line going from the PS reservoir to the pump. There is definitely a leak there. Fortunately, the high pressure line is completely dry.

Anyway, I would greatly appreciate any input on this.

Thanks

 

One of mine is leaking there, too. I ignore it like all rack leaks.

 

After looking this over in daylight, it is obvious where the leak is coming from.

It's coming from here:


Rack Leack

I agree with you Child_uv_KoRn, I think I'm going to leave this one alone. I'll clean it and keep an eye on it, but it hardly seems worth the effort to try to fix it.

On to other projects...