What did I do? Massive PSF leak

[MyFirstRunner]

I have 99', 3.4L SR5 and had a slow power steering leak for the last 3 years, I would add a couple ounces every 4-5 months. This past weekend it was time for a LBJ swap as well as new inner and outer tie rods. I got it done, got an alignment, and it drove great last night and today to/from work. Drove it out this evening for a couple errands and it started making a terrible noise...the kind when you are low on power steering fluid. I got home and checked the fluid and it was off the stick low, and I see it streaming out onto my driveway.

Any ideas what happened here? I assume the seals in the rack are bad and that's what was causing the leak. Did removing the ITR's loosen them any more?

Thanks in advance.

 

[01thunder]

you need to get under and look. hose broke, seals went, etc. clean the area and start it and check.

 

[MyFirstRunner]

you need to get under and look. hose broke, seals went, etc. clean the area and start it and check.

Thanks for the reply. Yeah, going to take it to my mechanic tomorrow. I checked underneath and couldn't really tell. Just curious if anyone else has heard of a similar thing with swapping ITR's or after an alignment.

 

[mtbtim]

Thanks for the reply. Yeah, going to take it to my mechanic tomorrow. I checked underneath and couldn't really tell. Just curious if anyone else has heard of a similar thing with swapping ITR's or after an alignment.

If the leak is as big as you say it is, you should be able to tell where it's coming from. You may have to remove the skid plates to get a good look but you should be able to figure it out. Top off your power steering reservoir, start the engine and look under the hood first around the power steering pump for any leaks from the hoses or connections. If you don't see anything, get under the rig and have somebody turn the steering wheel lock to lock while your looking at the hose connections and steering rack. I doubt you need a mechanic to figure it out. Save yourself some money and do it yourself.