Steering rack - minor leak

[Herculean T4R]

I am in the process of replacing inner and outer tie rods. When I removed the driver side steering rack boot, I noticed ~ 1 oz. of steering rack fluid in the boot that probably over time has accumulated in the boot. Is the rack on its way out? I haven't had any issues with steering.

Would hate to install new OEM inner tie rods and dust boots if the rack is going to fail soon. I rather sell the OEM inner tie rods and buy a brand new OEM rack for a few hundred dollars more.

What do guys suggest?

 

[thecole1098]

Typically if the rack is leaking and is presenting steering issues, then just replace the rack. However, if you say there has been no noticeable drive-ability issues and the leak isn't bad enough to have the power steering pump starved of fluid, you could keep the rack for longer until it starts to develop slop (which it will). I will say it's far more labor intensive to replace the entire rack, however they do come with new inner tie rods, so it's really if it's in the budget.

Just my 2 cents.