Leaky and Noisey Rack and Pinion

[WetBehindEars]

I did something that I'm a little embarrassed about (I think). I bought a very, very clean '88 Dodge Aries that had only 49k miles (I got the car fax) and I need a cheap car that isn't costly to insure (I have a lot of tickets and can afford liability only). The surprise was the rack was leaking - I originally thought it was an idler arm or something - and not that costly to replace.

My mechanic (maybe former mechanic) wanted $275 for the part, $180 for labor, plus $300 for brakes, and $400 for axles + inspection. I don't know if he would have failed me for all this stuff but he did say "the guy across the street would fail you right away."

Originally, I put just any old PS fluid in - not suspecting a leak but noticed the reservoir was empty - but since then I put in Lucas and the leak and noise subsided a lot. But it is still present with only 1/2 a bottle of Lucas. I got it inspected somewhere else at the dealer's shop. I know the place did a BS job of inspection, because they didn't even say anything about the rear brakes being really low which I saw with my own eyes.

Anyway - what should I do? I've been getting estimates at junk yards (I refuse to put new parts for $1000 car). I can get a rebuilt rack for $140 and probably a power steering pump for dirt cheap (a good part to get from a junkyard).

Should I just keep using the Lucas? One thing I noticed with Lucas - the level doesn't change. In other words: I can drive 20 miles and it will still read Full Cold - same as when I check it cold. I guess the good news is the leak has gone away or at least slowed considerably. Thanks in advance for help.

[ September 15, 2004, 03:29 PM: Message edited by: WetBehindEars ]

 

[Schmoe]

Since it's that old and has been obviously sitting a lot, you could have some dry rot. I would suspect the PS return line would be made of rubber or plastic. I'd check them first. I think there is a PS dye out there than can pinpoint the leak. Jack the car up and crawl around looking for leaks. There should be a puddle on the ground somewhere if it is leaking. If you can handle the leak and check it often and the power steering is working fine, I'd live with it and save the bucks. At this point in time, if it's going to go, it's going to go. Nothing you can do about it.

 

[WetBehindEars]

Thanks for the help. The steering has gotten considerably smoother and easier with the Lucas stop leak - I did forget to mention that. That stuff is liquid gold man.

How hard would it be to steer if the PS fails? How do I know if it fails?

 

[Schmoe]

Believe me, you'd know. If the fluid was that low, maybe the seals needed time to absorb some of the fluid and have expanded, which would lead to a tighter seal. But, you should be able to find out where the leak is if it was leaking that much. If you can turn the wheels full left to full right and there is no hesitation from the steering wheel, I wouldn't even worry about that.

 

[Matt_S]

Just for the sake of a second opinion, it sounds like you've already done what's best. On a car that old, leaks are going to happen. Unless they're impeding functionality, you just live with them. I'd just keep checking the level and forget about it unless it starts getting worse again. If that happens, I definitely agree that used or rebuilt parts are the way to go.

Good luck with your car and make sure you tend to those brakes.

 

[got boost?]

I would just eliminate the pwr steering altogether. drain the system and use a shorter belt to bypass the pump. that is a fairly light car and manual steering shouldn't be too bad. I'd also start learning how to do some of the work because old car + no mechanical skill = very expensive proposition

 

[Matt_S]

In my experience, cars designed for power steering will get extremely difficult to steer without the power assist. Much more than if they had a purpose-built, unassisted rack. If you want an idea of how much more difficult it gets, go to an empty parking lot, get the car moving, then kill the engine and try to steer.

 

[cousincletus]

Chrysler K cars did not have inherent power steering rack problems (like GM J-bodies did in the '80s). Therefore, I would continue to use the Lucas in the power steering system for now and see if it improves. Brakes are an easy DIY job so go ahead and get the service manual or a knowledgeable friend and a 12 pack (or more) of cold brewski.