Rack and Pinion

[CherylK]

My mechanic told me that the rack and pinion is leaking into the bellows. What exactly does this mean and how is it fixed?

[quicksilverdon]

It means you have to check you power steering fluid and top it off - Quite sure they say to use ATF + 4 - check your manual.
I think the fix is to replace the rack and pinion - which controls steering. If the leak isn't bad, just keep the Power Steering container filled..

[lowpt]

If it is leaking, it is going to have to be replaced. Keep a close eye on the fluid until you can have the work done.

[cdynaco]

He doesn't mean the CV boot is leaking does he?

[quicksilverdon]

Originally Posted by cdynaco

He doesn't mean the CV boot is leaking does he?

Hopefully he knows the difference - the PS pump works on the rack & pinion via the PS fluid, and it can leak at any fitting or at the rack & pinion itself.
I was saying, depending on how bad the leak is would determine how immediate the replacement is needed - in the meantime, be sure to keep PS pump filled, and watch how fast fluid level drops.

[cjb15]

There are bellows on each end of the steering rack that protect from it from dirt. Unfortunately, it probably means a new (or rebuilt) steering gear.
You may want to try one of the power steering sealers that you can find at any auto parts store. They don't work every time but as cheap as they are it's worth a try.

[cdynaco]

Are there seals that are replaceable?

Surely Chrysler engineers didn't design it so you have to replace the entire R&P assembly due to a leak did they??

[cjb15]

It is a little more complicated than that. You need special tools and access to get to the seals so the steering rack needs to be removed. once you've gone through all of this trouble it makes no sense to replace one or two seals without rebuilding the whole thing.
Not to worry Honda, Toyota, Ford, ect. everyone pretty much has this same basic rack and pinion design.