How to Repair a Rack and Pinion Leak

The rack and pinion of your vehicle is a part of your power steering assembly. This part helps to transfer the hydraulic power from the steering fluid to each of the wheels so that it will be responsive and steer correctly. After a few years of use, you may notice that the steering is not as good as it was. There can be a small leak in the rack and pinion which will allow the steering fluid to leak out and bring air into the lines which will make things feel loose and unresponsive. When this happens there are some ways that you can fix the leak.

Step 1 - Park Car on Ramp

To get at the rack and pinion on your car you will need to crawl under the vehicle. To do this you should do it as safely as possible. A pair of heavy duty car ramps is a good option for lifting your car enough to work under it. Locate the ramps on a flat surface and carefully drive the front wheels onto them. When you reach the top of the ramps, then put the car in park and turn off the engine. Place wheel chocks behind the rear wheels so that it does not accidentally roll.

Step 2 - Clean off Hoses 

Take some time to clean off the hoses from the rack and pinion of any grease, dirt and fluids. This will help you better determine where the leak is coming from. Look at the overall condition of the hoses while you are cleaning them. You may find that they are dry and brittle and are the cause of your leak.

Step 3 - Drain Power Steering Fluid

Remove the bottom bolt on the power steering unit and drain out the fluid. Remove the fluid as you will not be using it again. You should always use fresh power steering fluid. 

Step 4 - Replace Hoses

The power steering hoses that are connected to the rack and pinion are going to be connected with simple hose clamps. These can be removed by either compressing the tabs with a pair of pliers, or using a screwdriver to back out the retaining screw. Once you have loosened up the clamps remove the hoses and replace with new ones. 

Step 5 - Replace Gaskets

There are a few gaskets on the rack and pinion assembly that may need to be replaced if they are dried out and worn. 

Step 6 - Use Some Brake Fluid

Many people who have had some rack and pinion problems with leaking will use some brake fluid into the power steering reservoir. They do not replace the power steering fluid, but will add it into the mix. This has been successful as a short term fix in order to get you to a repair center.

Step 7 - Replace Rack and Pinion

Some leaks are caused because the rack and pinion is failing. When this happens you can use some Leak Stop to seal up some of the cracked areas, but you will need to replace the rack and pinion to stop the leaks entirely.