Rack or line?

[jhumphrey]

Hey all,

I've noticed that my skid plate has had ATF build up and my power steering fluid is low. I traced the line from the pump to the rack and noticed a large amount of build up where the line meets the rack. Since a new line is $300 and a rack about the same, I'd like to figure out which to replace (I'd like to do both to be safe, but don't have the spare cash to do it right now).

Any suggestions on how to figure it out? I'm new to rack steering, so any advice would be great. Side note: I recently changed my inner tierods and noticed that one side had a large amount of grease and the other had a little less). Not sure if that matters. I don't notice any bad steering behavior.

Thanks all

 

[jhumphrey]

*bump*

 

[thebrandon]

If it is leaking at the connection, maybe snug it down a little. It could be the simple fix you need. Or do you see fluid running down the line and building up at the connection?

Some pictures might help too.

 

[jhumphrey]

If it is leaking at the connection, maybe snug it down a little. It could be the simple fix you need. Or do you see fluid running down the line and building up at the connection?

Some pictures might help too.

If I get to tomorrow, I'm planning to drop the skid and look around. From what I could see from up top, it appeared to be leaking at the connection point. I'll try to clean it up and see how it's leaking. I'll also try to tighten the connection (hopefully it's just worked loose over the years/miles). I'll snap some pics too.

 

[jhumphrey]

Wanted to update everyone. I had a chance to pull both skids today. What I thought was ATF turned out to be motor oil. I was able to trace it up to the oil filter area. Since it points downward, I think the build up has been coming from sloppy oil changes by the previous owner(s). It's possible that the oil pan gasket is leaking, but I'll have to keep an eye on it to be sure.

Just wanted to let everyone know that I think I found the source of the "leak".

 

[JayRolla]

Hey all,

I've noticed that my skid plate has had ATF build up and my power steering fluid is low. I traced the line from the pump to the rack and noticed a large amount of build up where the line meets the rack. Since a new line is $300 and a rack about the same, I'd like to figure out which to replace (I'd like to do both to be safe, but don't have the spare cash to do it right now).

Any suggestions on how to figure it out? I'm new to rack steering, so any advice would be great. Side note: I recently changed my inner tierods and noticed that one side had a large amount of grease and the other had a little less). Not sure if that matters. I don't notice any bad steering behavior.

Thanks all

I had a bad line and someone sold me a used one that was perfect for $75 online. Usually the line dont go bad. But keep that in mind.

 

[bpowa]

Wanted to update everyone. I had a chance to pull both skids today. What I thought was ATF turned out to be motor oil. I was able to trace it up to the oil filter area. Since it points downward, I think the build up has been coming from sloppy oil changes by the previous owner(s). It's possible that the oil pan gasket is leaking, but I'll have to keep an eye on it to be sure.

Just wanted to let everyone know that I think I found the source of the "leak".

If you don't remove the skid plate during oil changes. It will leave residual oil.
I just leave my skid off unless i go off-road.

For the oil pan. Try just torquing the bolts in cross sequence. See if it still leaks.